IdiomDaily Life

English

against all odds

Meaning: Despite great difficulty or opposition.

Example: “Against all odds, the tiny club reached the cup final.”

Origin: "Odds" are the betting chances against something happening. The phrase is common from the 20th century.

Equivalents in other languages

French: Envers et contre tous Literally: Towards and against all

More English idioms

fall into someone's lap To come to someone without any effort.
fire in the belly Strong ambition and drive.
a slippery slope A small step that leads to worse and worse consequences.
snug as a bug in a rug Very warm and comfortable.
breathe down someone's neck To watch someone too closely, or to be close behind them.
champ at the bit To be impatient to start.

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