Against great odds
Meaning
To succeed or achieve something despite facing extremely difficult and improbable circumstances.
Origin
Imagine the hushed tension of a 17th-century gambling den, where fortunes hung precariously on the turn of a card or the roll of a die. The very term 'odds' was born in this crucible of chance, quantifying the likelihood of victory or defeat. When the chances were slim, the stakes immense, and a gambler somehow emerged triumphant, they had won 'against great odds'. This vivid image of defying statistical improbability quickly escaped the card tables and race tracks, becoming a potent metaphor for any formidable challenge in life, a testament to human spirit prevailing when all logic pointed to failure.
Examples
- The small startup managed to turn a profit against great odds, competing with industry giants and a challenging market.
- Her recovery from the severe illness was truly remarkable, a testament to her strength as she fought against great odds.