Not have a dog’s chance

usgb
idiom

Have no chance at all.

I do not have a dog's chance of winning the lottery.
Visual representation of "not have a dog’s chance" - Have no chance at all

Often appears as...

  • do not have a dog's chance
  • have no dog's chance

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not have a dog’s chance"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Extreme Improbability

Used to express that something is extremely unlikely to happen or is virtually impossible.

Illustration for Extreme Improbability
Even with hard work, you don't have a dog's chance of becoming a pro athlete at 40.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't involve dogs; it’s a metaphor for a very low probability of success.

Illustration for Not Literal
I'm so behind in the race, I haven't got a dog's chance of catching up.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Negative Tone

Conveys a pessimistic outlook and is usually used to manage expectations.

Illustration for Negative Tone
With the market crash, our investment doesn't have a dog's chance of paying off.
Visual representation of the word "Not have a dog’s chance"

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