stand a chance
Have some hope
Stand a chance means to have a possibility of success or a reasonable hope of achieving something.
It nearly always appears in negative or questioning contexts: You don't stand a chance against her in chess.
Do we stand a chance of finishing on time?
The phrase implies that the outcome is uncertain but not impossible—if someone stands a chance, the odds aren't hopelessly stacked against them.
One who contends against
- underdogPresumed loser beforehand
- contenderOne competing seriously
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
rivalry · upset · victory · defeat · knockout · qualifier · semifinals · finals
Chance something will occur
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- potentialLatent capacity for development
feasibility · plausibility · opportunity · slim · remote · fifty-fifty · coin toss · gamble
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- defianceOpen resistance to authority
struggle · adversity · comeback · overcome · survivor · undaunted · against the odds · uphill battle
Strong desire for achievement
- optimismTendency to expect good
- beliefTrust held as true
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
- faithTrust without proof
expectation · anticipation · promise · encouraging · favorable · promising · realistic · achievable
opponent
One who contends against
- underdogPresumed loser beforehand
- contenderOne competing seriously
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
matchup · rivalry · upset · victory · defeat · knockout · qualifier · semifinals · finals · elimination
likelihood
Chance something will occur
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
potential · feasibility · plausibility · opportunity · slim · remote · fifty-fifty · coin toss · gamble · uncertainty
perseverance
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
defiance · struggle · adversity · comeback · overcome · survivor · undaunted · against the odds · uphill battle · fightback
aspiration
Strong desire for achievement
- optimismTendency to expect good
- beliefTrust held as true
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
faith · expectation · anticipation · promise · encouraging · favorable · promising · realistic · achievable · attainable