beat the odds
Succeed against probability
To beat the odds is to succeed despite unfavorable chances or expectations.
The phrase comes from gambling, where odds measure the probability against a particular outcome.
Someone who survives a dangerous illness or achieves success from humble beginnings has beaten the odds: She beat the odds and made a full recovery.
The expression emphasizes triumph over statistical likelihood.
- likelihoodChance something will occur
- slim chanceLow probability outcome
- fighting chanceSmall but real possibility
- improbabilityQuality of being doubtful
- beatableCapable of being defeated
grit · determination · overcoming · persistence · triumph · tenacity · never say die · long shot · fortitude · fortune · defiance · willpower · underdog · come from behind · uphill battle · victory · chance · accomplishment
- competitioncompete, competitor, contender, winner, sports
- motivational phrasesdream big, try harder, no excuses, overcome, improve
- success idiomshit the jackpot, strike gold, make it, rags to riches, come out on top
- do the impossiblemove mountains, break barriers, miracle, feat, breakthrough
- close callsclose call, near miss, narrow escape, close shave, nick of time
- Congratulationscongrats, congratulations, well done, good job, great job
beat the oddsplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
hedge one's bets · err on the side of caution · go with the flow
beat, beats, beating, beaten, beater, beaters, odds, oddness, oddity