IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishgive someone a fair shake
Meaning: To give someone or something a chance to prove itself.
Example: “All the applicants deserve a fair shake, whatever their background.”
Origin: American slang from around 1830, most likely drawn from dice gambling: a "fair shake" of the dice cup, free of any sleight of hand, guaranteed an honest, unmanipulated roll rather than one rigged in the shaker's favor. The metaphor transferred naturally from the gaming table to any situation calling for equal, unbiased treatment — giving someone "a fair shake" means giving them the same honest chance everyone else gets, with nothing stacked against them behind the scenes.
More English idioms
- feather one's nest To build up one's wealth, often quietly or dishonestly.
- far cry from something Much less than what was expected or anticipated.
- feel something in one's bones To sense something without being able to see, hear or feel it; to have a premonition.
- feel the pinch To have less money than one used to have, and less than one feels is necessary.
- feather in one's cap An exceptional achievement.
- fill the bill To suit or satisfy a need.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Más terco/a que una mula Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
- Pareces un pulpo en un garaje You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…
- Che rompiscatole What an insufferable pest — someone who endlessly pesters and never lets you be.
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