odds
Pronunciation: /ɒdz/
plural noun
- the ratio between the amounts staked by the parties to a bet, based on the expected probability either way: Nicer is starting at odds of 8-1 it is possible for the race to be won at very long odds
- (usually the odds) the chances or likelihood of something happening or being the case: the odds are that he is no longer alive the odds against this ever happening are high
- (usually the odds) the balance of advantage; superiority in strength, power, or resources: she clung to the lead against all the odds the odds were overwhelmingly in favour of the banks rather than the customer
Phrases
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at odds
- in conflict or at variance: his behaviour is at odds with the interests of the company
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by all odds
- North American certainly.
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it makes no odds
- informal, chiefly British it does not matter: come and see me any time—it makes no odds to me![from an earlier use of odds in the sense 'difference in advantage or effect']
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lay (or give) odds
- offer a bet with odds favourable to the other better: bookies have refused to give odds on the outcome of today’s debate
- be very sure about something: I’d lay odds that the person responsible is an insider
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over the odds
- British above what is generally considered acceptable, especially for a price: you could be paying over the odds for perfume
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take odds
- offer a bet with odds unfavourable to the other better: you might be tempted to take odds on a dead heat
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what's the odds?
- informal what does it matter?.[from an earlier sense of odds; compare with it makes no odds]
Origin:
early 16th century: apparently the plural of the obsolete noun odd 'odd number or odd person'