in the unlikely event

in the unlikely event (that) (something) happens

If a very improbable outcome turns out to be the case. I wouldn't worry too much, but in the unlikely event that you lose your job, you can always come live with us for a while. In the unlikely event I win the lottery, the first thing I would do is travel to Jamaica.
See also: event, happen, unlikely
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the unlikely event

If something improbable should occur. For example, In the unlikely event that I'm held up, please cover for me, or In the unlikely event that we should have snow in May, we're still well equipped to cope with it . Also see under in case, def. 2.
See also: event, unlikely
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • in the unlikely event (that) (something) happens
  • unlikely
  • in the unlikely event of
  • in the unlikely event of (something)
  • a ragged colt may make a good horse
  • colt
  • (the) odds are against (something)
  • the odds are against something/somebody doing something
  • as a pig loves marjoram
  • at the worst
References in periodicals archive
In the unlikely event that its action sequences keep you entertained, the bland corridors of the castle setting, repeated over and over, fill you with no desire to see more.
* In the unlikely event that a Star Wars video or DVD loses its appeal, it can be recycled through local programs or donated to libraries.
In the unlikely event the Remove Hidden Data command is missing in the drop-down menu, under File click on Tools, Options and the Security tab.
In the unlikely event EDATE fails to work, you probably haven't enabled Analysis ToolPak, which is usually in Excel but by default isn't enabled.