odds are stacked against (someone)

idiom

used to describe a situation in which someone does not have a good or fair chance of winning, succeeding, etc.
She felt the odds are stacked against her.

Examples of odds are stacked against (someone) in a Sentence

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History tells you the odds are stacked against them. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 The game’s tongue in cheek tone gives it an interesting flavor even if the odds are stacked against player survival. Rob Wieland, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 While the odds are stacked against Gunther, Finn Balor and Damian Priest's hatred for each other is going to give him an avenue to victory. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 The odds are stacked against them, as the group finds itself up against a tech industry giant with unlimited resources, without major support from national unions or politicians, and while navigating internal divisions within their own ranks. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for odds are stacked against (someone) 

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Cite this Entry

“Odds are stacked against (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odds%20are%20stacked%20against%20%28someone%29. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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