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against all odds

Idioms  
  1. In spite of seeming very unlikely, as in Against all odds we had a snowstorm in early May, or Against all odds the slower team won. This transfer of a betting term to general usage occurred about 1900.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

What 250 years means: It means 250 years of perseverance against all odds.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 2, 2026

“I do feel a connection to that place — where my family came, why they felt it was safe for them, and how against all odds you plant roots,” See said.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 11, 2026

"Dawa managed to survive against all odds for days. It's nothing short of a miracle," he said.

From BBC Jun. 5, 2026

"The ICC case reflects the determination of victims and their families to advance justice against all odds and dangers," said Maria Elena Vignoli, senior international justice counsel at the NGO.

From Barron's Feb. 20, 2026

"When we're ready I'll carry it-" Piggy sought in his mind for words to convey his passionate willingness to carry the conch against all odds.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

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