1
- a possibility of something happening可能性：
there is a chance of winning the raffle
有赢得抽奖的可能性
mass noun there is little chance of his finding a job.他找到工作的可能性极小。
1.1
chances
the probability of something happening, often with a desirable outcome（常指获得称心结果的）可能性：he played down his chances of becoming chairman.
他对自己担当主席的可能性轻描淡写。
1.2
- in sing. an opportunity to do or achieve something机会：
I gave her a chance to answer.
我给了她作答的机会。
2
- mass noun the occurrence and development of events in the absence of any obvious design or cause偶然, 巧合：
he met his brother by chance
他巧遇自己的兄弟
count noun what a lucky chance you are here.你在这里, 这是多么幸运的巧合啊。
2.1
- the unplanned and unpredictable course of events regarded as a power机缘, 天意：
chance was offering me success.
天意让我成功。
1
- no obj., with infinitive do something by accident or without design偶然; 碰巧：
he was very effusive if they chanced to meet.
他们若是巧遇, 他总会表现得热情过头。
1.1
chance upon/on/across
find or see by accident碰巧发现, 偶然看见：he chanced upon an interesting advertisement.
他偶然看见一则有趣的广告。
2
- with obj. informal do (something) despite its being dangerous or of uncertain outcome〈非正式〉冒险做（某事）：
they chanced a late holiday.
他们冒险度了个晚假。
短语
as chance would have it
- as it happened凑巧, 偏偏。
by any chance
- possibly (used in tentative enquiries or suggestions)万一, 也许（用于试探性的询问或提议）：
were you looking for me by any chance?
你有可能是在找我吗？
chance one's arm（或luck）
- Brit. informal undertake something although it may be dangerous or unsuccessful〈英, 非正式〉冒险一试。
chance would be a fine thing
- informal expressing a speaker's belief that something is desirable but the opportunity is unlikely to arise〈非正式〉成功固然好, 只惜良机少。
no chance
- informal there is no possibility of that〈非正式〉绝无可能。
on the (off) chance
- just in case万一。
stand a chance
- usu. with negative have a prospect of success or survival有（成功或生存的）希望：
his rivals don't stand a chance.
他的对手毫无成功的希望。
take a chance（或chances）
1
- behave in a way that leaves one vulnerable to danger or failure冒险。
1.1
take a chance on
put one's trust in (something or someone) knowing that it may not be safe or certain冒险信任（某人或某事）。
take one's chance
- do something risky with the hope of success（为了成功而）冒险, 碰运气。
词源
Middle English: from Old French cheance, from cheoir 'fall， befall'， based on Latin cadere.