fighting chance

American  

noun

1. a possibility of success following a struggle.

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fighting chance British  

noun

1. a slight chance of success dependent on a struggle

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fighting chance Idioms  

1. A possibility of winning, but only with a struggle. For example, It's going to be hard to beat that record, but I think he has a fighting chance. [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of fighting chance

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Maresca's men, back in the Champions League after two years away, have now won three of their first five games to give themselves a fighting chance of finishing in the top eight.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Mr. Adams has a fighting chance because of profits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

The hope is the snake’s new, higher profile in California can give it a fighting chance at avoiding extinction.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

You’ve set up your finances for longevity and, by reducing financial stress from your life, you’ve given yourself a fighting chance.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 9, 2025

If I can take down the other two, then we might have a fighting chance.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland