ɔdz n.pl. 1
the ratio between the amounts staked by the parties to a
bet, based on the expected
probability either way. 2 the chances or
balance of probability in
favour of or
against some result (the odds are against
it; the odds are
that it will rain). 3 the balance of
advantage (the odds are in
your favour;
won against
all the odds). 4 an equalizing
allowance to a weaker
competitor. 5 a
difference giving an advantage (it makes no odds). øat odds (often foll. by with) in
conflict or at
variance. by all odds
certainly. lay (or give) odds
offer a bet
with odds
favourable to the
other better. odds
and ends
miscellaneous articles or remnants. odds-on a
state when success is
more likely than failure,
esp. as indicated by the
betting odds.
over the odds
above a
generally agreed
price etc.
take odds offer a bet with odds
unfavourable to the other better. what's the odds? colloq.
what does it matter? [app. pl. of
ODD n.:
cf. NEWS]
