Not a Dog’s Chance: Slim Chances and Near Impossibilities
Definition:
“Not a dog’s chance” is a colloquial phrase that connotes having an extremely slim chance or no chance at all. Imagine Fido rolling the dice in Vegas - not looking well for him, is it?
Related Terms:
- Chinaman’s chance: An older, and possibly offensive phrase, with similar implications of no chance.
- Snowball’s chance in hell: Feels like a shade cooler, but still ice-meltingly improbable.
- Odds are slim to none: And Slim’s halfway out the door.
- Hell freezing over: A chilling outlook for optimists.
- Ghost of a chance: Even the specters aren’t betting on this one.
- When pigs fly: Keep an eye out for airborne swine. 🌟
Synonyms:
- No chance
- Absolutely not
- Highly unlikely
- Fat chance
Antonyms:
- Sure thing
- Dead cert (cert = certainty)
- Surefire bet
- Guaranteed
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“May the odds be ever in your favor - except for dogs, apparently.” - Unknown
Proverbs:
- “Better an egg today than a hen to-morrow.” – Advocates focusing on attainable goals rather than far-fetched hopes.
Literature & References:
- Fictional tales with hopeless odds: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins - Ever wonder if Katniss ever said, “Not even a dog’s chance”?
- For drama and slim hopes: “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway.
- Foot-tapping tunes: “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” by Phil Collins - sing your struggles away.
Suggested Movies:
- “Dumb and Dumber” (1994) - Even they knew what “million to one” meant.
- “Rocky” (1976) - A whole franchise built on beating the odds and making sure even dogs have hope.
Quiz to Bust Myths and Check Understanding
### Which idiom refers to having absolutely no chance?
- [x] Not a dog's chance
- [ ] Running like a turtle
- [ ] Flying without wings
- [ ] Swimming with shoes on
> **Explanation:** "Not a dog's chance" directly means having no chance at all. The others could be hilarious, though.
### Which expression means something highly unlikely?
- [x] Snowball's chance in hell
- [ ] Milking the thistle
- [ ] Petting porcupines
- [ ] Croaking with the frog
> **Explanation:** A "snowball's chance in hell" sets the bar for unlikely comebacks, making it practically impossible.
Inspirational Note:
“Even when you think you don’t have a dog’s chance, remember that today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.” - P. T. Wisdo
