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

It’s easy for an airline to put down a small amount of money on the chance that a startup pulls it off and restarts the era of supersonic travel.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 22, 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

While both made commitments, they are still keeping their options open on the chance that a Pac-12 school extends a scholarship opportunity to Cassius.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2019

Between classes he scanned the faces in the hallways on the chance that the boy had come to school late.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen