Odds Meaning
Odds Definition & Usage
The probability or chance of something happening, often expressed in numerical or fractional terms, particularly in gambling and betting contexts.
Examples
- "The odds of winning the lottery are very slim."
- "With odds of 5 to 1, it’s hard to bet against the favorite."
- "He was given odds of 10 to 1 to survive the surgery, but he pulled through."
- "The odds are stacked against us, but we will still give it our best shot."
- "At those odds, placing a bet would be a risky move."
A situation or state of being that is unfavorable or difficult to overcome.
Examples
- "The odds were against them when they decided to start their own business."
- "She was up against long odds, but she managed to finish the race."
- "The odds of success in this field are very low without proper experience."
- "Despite the odds, they managed to climb the mountain."
- "It was a tough battle, but we fought the odds and won."
To be at odds with someone means to be in disagreement or conflict with them.
Examples
- "She was at odds with her colleagues over the direction of the project."
- "They are often at odds with each other on political matters."
- "I found myself at odds with my parents when I chose my career path."
- "The team was at odds over how to approach the new strategy."
- "His views are at odds with the company’s core values."
Cultural Context
The term 'odds' originates from the Old Norse word 'odd', meaning 'point' or 'edge', which eventually came to represent the concept of risk or chance, especially in gambling contexts. Over time, it evolved to encompass broader meanings related to likelihood and conflict.
Against All Odds
Story
Against All Odds
In the heart of a small town, a young woman named Sarah decided to take a risk that no one thought she would succeed at. The local casino was holding its annual poker tournament, and the odds of her winning were stacked high against her. Not only was she a beginner, but she was also going up against seasoned professionals. Her friends were skeptical, saying the odds were too great. ‘You’ll never win,’ they said. But Sarah, undeterred by the low odds of success, entered the tournament anyway. As the game progressed, she found herself at odds with some of the players who questioned her decisions. However, Sarah’s calm demeanor and sharp instincts helped her outplay the competition. With each hand, the odds of her winning seemed to shorten. Finally, after a tense showdown, she managed to secure the victory, defying the odds. The news spread quickly, and soon everyone was talking about how she had beaten the odds and triumphed over adversity. Sarah’s story became a symbol of resilience, showing that even when the odds are against you, determination can make all the difference.
