Against all odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Against all odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone succeeds despite facing significant challenges or difficulties. Example: "She managed to complete the marathon against all odds, overcoming her injury and the harsh weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Against all odds, he agreed.

The New Yorker

Against all odds, it did.

The New York Times

Against all odds, you win.

The Guardian - Opinion

Against all odds, however, it has survived.

The New York Times

Against all odds and expectations, it happened.

The Guardian - Sport

Against all odds, she made it.

The Guardian

Against all odds, every one of those things is terrific.

The New York Times

Against all odds, people find ways to resist.

The Guardian

Against all odds, he has triumphed time and again.

The New York Times

Against all odds this tale has a light, eccentric aspect.

The New York Times - Books

Against all odds, he scored victories in New York.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Against all odds", ensure the context clearly establishes the challenges or improbabilities that were overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "Against all odds" when the situation isn't genuinely improbable or challenging; doing so can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Against all odds" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the circumstances under which an action occurred or a result was achieved, specifically highlighting the surprising or unexpected nature of the outcome, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Against all odds" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to emphasize the surprising and improbable nature of a success. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, with a notable presence in News & Media. While "Against all odds" is suitable for neutral and even formal communication, it's crucial to avoid overuse in situations lacking genuine challenges to preserve its impact. Consider using alternatives like "'despite the obstacles'" or "'contrary to expectations'" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Against all expectations

Synonymous, with a slightly different emphasis.

Against expectations

Similar to "Against all odds" but slightly less emphatic.

Despite the obstacles

Focuses more on the presence of obstacles rather than the improbability of success.

In the face of adversity

Highlights the challenging conditions that were overcome.

Despite the difficulties

Focuses more on the hardship faced than the unlikelihood of success.

In defiance of expectations

Highlights the contrast between the outcome and what was predicted.

Contrary to predictions

Emphasizes the failure of forecasts or anticipations.

Improbably

A single word emphasizing the unexpected nature of the success.

Miraculously

Suggests an element of luck or divine intervention.

Against the run of play

Idiomatic, often used in sports contexts to describe an unexpected turn of events.

FAQs

How can I use "Against all odds" in a sentence?

You can use "Against all odds" to highlight unexpected success in a situation where failure seemed almost certain. For example, "Against all odds, the team won the championship after a season of injuries and setbacks."

What is a similar expression to "Against all odds"?

Alternatives to "Against all odds" include "despite the challenges", "contrary to expectations", or "improbably". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'against all odd' without the 's'?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "Against all odds", with an 's' at the end of 'odds'. Using 'odd' instead of 'odds' is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "Against all odds" and "Despite everything"?

"Against all odds" specifically emphasizes the improbability of success, while "'despite everything'" focuses more broadly on overcoming numerous unspecified difficulties or obstacles. "Against all odds" implies a lower expectation of success to begin with.