against all odds

against all odds

Despite being very likely to fail. Against all odds, he was able to survive being stranded in the wilderness for a week with no food.
See also: all, odds
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

against all odds

despite very low probability; in a most unlikely way. Against all odds, she managed to win the trophy.
See also: all, odds
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

against all odds

In spite of seeming very unlikely, as in Against all odds we had a snowstorm in early May, or Against all odds the slower team won. This transfer of a betting term to general usage occurred about 1900.
See also: all, odds
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

against all (the) ˈodds

in spite of great difficulties or problems; although it seemed impossible: Against all the odds this little-known man succeeded in becoming President. It’s a romantic story of love surviving against all odds.
See also: all, odds
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • against the odds
  • against all the odds
  • odds
  • at odds over (something)
  • at odds
  • by all odds
  • be at odds
  • be at odds (with)
  • odds-on
  • ask no odds
References in periodicals archive
Wahlen saved countless lives during the battle of Iwo Jima 60 years ago, and miraculously survived against all odds. Written by journalist and former contract employee of the Defense Department Gary Toyn, The Quiet Hero is a highly respectful survey of the terrible hardships endured by "the greatest generation" and one man whose unsurpassed bravery stands testimony to what America's armed services are capable of, then and now.
In context, overcoming seems to refer to heroic and sustained effort against all odds. Other repeatedly recommended virtues are patience, industry ("works"), and repentance.
Virginia State University and other HBCUs prepare their students to succeed against all odds! Mr.
His perseverance against all odds makes for a particularly strong account.
Against All Odds: The Struggle for Racial Integration in Religious Organizations by Brad Christerson, Korie L.
But gradually, against all odds, the shotgun marriage begins to work.
International Centre for Community Development and Education Against All Odds. Positive Intervention to Reduce the Number of Young Women ir Gangs.
But isn't it marvellous that The King chose his 70th birthday to re-release Jailhouse Rock - symbolising that rock has been imprisoned by cheap, reality show music - and, against all odds, deposed X Factor winner Steve Brookstein, who has the same first name as one of Elvis's friends, and whose hit was, eerily enough, also called Against All Odds?
Steve told Kiss & Tell he had high hopes for his cover of the Phil Collins song Against All Odds, but added: 'If it happens it happens, but it's going to be difficult to beat the charity single.
They are also offering odds of 6/1 on Andre and Jordan topping the charts with Against All Odds.
But against all odds, the miracle baby survived and tomorrow will enjoy a very special first birthday party.
It was dug up by my husband a few years ago, but against all odds survived the transplant ordeal!
Happily, in Buglisi's Against All Odds (Quand Meme), choreographed in 1998 and this season's curtain raiser, Capucilli has a role worthy of the great tragedian she is.
In Guess Again, his new collection of short stories, Cooper sticks with the themes he knows best: growing up gay, cruising guys, AIDS, and love against all odds. The writing in these stories is never dazzling, nor are any of the tales deeply profound.
In the eyes of these children and their parents, Opeka is a miracle worker, the man who, against all odds, has transformed the lives of thousands of families in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.