not stand an earthly

not stand an earthly

To have no possible or feasible chance (of doing or accomplishing something). A truncated form of "not stand an earthly chance." Primarily heard in UK. He doesn't stand an earthly of winning, but I'm voting for him nonetheless. I knew I wouldn't stand an earthly of getting that promotion if I didn't make myself stand out in the company more.
See also: earthly, not, stand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not stand (or have) an earthly

have no chance at all. British informal
See also: earthly, not, stand
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • not stand an earthly chance
  • not an earthly
  • not have an earthly chance
  • lose out
  • lose out on (something)
  • lose out on
  • on the (off) chance
  • on the chance
  • miss out on
  • miss out on (something)
References in periodicals archive
He knew that with such a badly depleted side St Helens did not stand an earthly of keeping the scoreline tight against mighty Bradford.
DEREK McGOVERN AT LARGE: LAY OFF LONG; RL bets outcry is nothing to shout about
The prospect of qualifying for the finals - in which the present Scottish squad would not stand an earthly - is made even juicier if it is at England's expense.
TOM BROWN THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY; Bannockburn for the party from Brigadoon