on the chance that

Idioms  

1. On the possibility that, as in I came early on the chance that we might have time to chat. This phrase uses chance in the sense of “a possibility or probability for some event,” a usage dating from the late 1700s. It is sometimes put as on the off chance, meaning “on the slight but unlikely possibility,” as in I came late on the off chance that I could avoid Thomas. The addition of off in the sense of “remote” dates from the mid-1800s.

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Example Sentences

Ly said Cozart hired him to translate on the chance that Wang didn’t speak English.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2024

“They are interested in collecting whatever data they have and putting it into a database on the chance that the snowboarder would become a politician or a leader in a position of influence,” Austin said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2022

But on the chance that Brady gets the urge to play again?

From Washington Times • Feb. 1, 2022

Wolves should have won this game based on the chance that presented itself to Conor Coady.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2021

Would he feign the role of a suffering lover, on the chance that we would be seen?

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein