Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

chance'd be a fine thing

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 0.00 in modern English

Syllables: chance'd be a fine thing
IPA

36

Scrabble Score

19

Letters

1

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

phrase

Synonym of no chance or fat chance, with a somewhat more cheerful attitude.

British usage

Example Sentences

"Mrs Hawthon: Why didn't you get wed if you were so curious? There's plenty would have had you. Fanny: Chance is a fine thing. Happen I wouldn't have had them! Mrs Hawthorn: Happen you'll be sorry for it before long. There's not so many will have you now, if this gets about."
"Come on. You're management, Corrigan. Get it sorted. Right. Chance would be a fine thing. [VO] That's a thing people say, isn't it... Mark, can't you reset it? Chance would be a fine thing, Lisa. I know what you should do. Coffee run. Corrigan, 200 lattes. Good, good one Jeff. Chance would be a fine thing, a fine thing indeed. [VO] Hmm. Saying that too often now."
"Dr Clarkson: Sit down and put your feet up if you can. Mrs Patmore: Oh, chance'd be a fine thing."
"Me winning the lotto? Chance'd be a fine thing."

Etymology

An ellipsis of even having a chance [to do so / at that] would be a fine thing and similar ideas, in reference to something that is either completely impossible or currently forbidden by circumstances, higher authorities, etc., originally chiefly with regard to opportunities to have sex or get married.

Usage

British usage

Inflected Forms

chance is a fine thing (alternative) chance's a fine thing (alternative) chance would be a fine thing (alternative)

Synonyms

no chance or fat chance with a somewhat more cheerful attitude one should be so lucky one should live so long

Questions

What does chance'd be a fine thing mean?: Synonym of no chance or fat chance, with a somewhat more cheerful attitude.
Where does chance'd be a fine thing come from?: An ellipsis of even having a chance [to do so / at that] would be a fine thing and similar ideas, in reference to something that is either completely impossible or currently forbidden by circumstances, higher authorities, etc., originally chiefly with regard to opportunities to have sex or get married.

How to pronounce chance'd be a fine thing

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