Take a chance
Meaning
To do something risky with the hope of a positive outcome.
Origin
The concept of "chance" itself is steeped in the ancient world, arriving in English from the Old French "cheance," meaning 'a falling' or 'a happening,' a term deeply rooted in the Latin "cadentia"—the very act of dice tumbling. From these early linguistic roots, "chance" was inextricably linked to the unpredictable roll of dice, the lottery of fate. To "take a chance" thus became a vibrant, direct metaphor, akin to literally grasping the dice and throwing them, accepting the unknown outcome. This straightforward yet powerful phrase has since transcended its literal gaming origins, evolving into a universal idiom encouraging us to embrace risk and step into the uncertain, whether in love, career, or life's grand adventures.
Examples
- She decided to take a chance and apply for the dream job, even though she felt underqualified.
- Sometimes, you just have to take a chance on an unknown path to discover new possibilities.