Off chance Meaning in English
expression
ˈɔf/ /ˈtʃæns
AWF CHANS
ˈɒf/ /tʃˈɑːns
OF CHAANS
Definition
An 'off chance' is a small or unlikely possibility; it means something might happen, but it is not probable.
Usage & Nuances
'Off chance' is usually used with 'on the' (e.g., 'on the off chance') for polite, hopeful, or cautious expression. It's informal and shows low expectation. Common in requests ("on the off chance you might help...") or speculation.
Spanish: pequeña posibilidad - remota posibilidadPortuguese (BR): pequena chance - chance remotaPortuguese (PT): pequena hipótese - hipótese remotaChinese (Simplified): 微小的可能性 - 很小的机会Chinese (Traditional): 微小的可能性 - 很小的機會Hindi: थोड़ी सी संभावना - संभावना बहुत कमArabic: احتمال ضئيل - فرصة نادرةBengali: সামান্য সম্ভাবনা - অল্প সম্ভাবনাRussian: маленький шанс - слабая вероятностьJapanese: わずかな可能性 - ほとんどない見込みVietnamese: khả năng nhỏ - xác suất thấpKorean: 희박한 가능성 - 아주 낮은 확률Turkish: küçük bir ihtimal - düşük bir olasılıkUrdu: کم امکان - کم امیدIndonesian: kemungkinan kecil - peluang tipis
Example Sentences
I called her on the off chance that she was home.
basic
Take an umbrella, just on the off chance it rains.
basic
She tried calling on the off chance he would answer.
basic
On the off chance, do you have any batteries I could borrow?
natural
He applied for the job on the off chance he might get it.
natural
I stayed up late studying, just on the off chance there would be a quiz.
natural