defy the odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defy the odds" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that achieves success despite facing obstacles or challenges. For example, "Despite her limited resources, she was able to defy the odds and open a successful business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's how Sony might defy the odds.

MIT Technology Review

"So we need overconfident people to defy the odds.

The Economist

"They are people who like to defy the odds".

The New York Times - Sports

Opponents too cowed even to try to defy the odds.

The New York Times - Sports

Stations have tried, and failed, to defy the odds.

The New York Times - Arts

The fact that a few extraordinary schools have been able to defy the odds has not proven that we can defy the odds as a system.

Harvard University

Be prepared to get yourself an agent unless you desire to defy the odds even further.

Columbia University

But I think that says something about your determination to defy the odds.

The Washington Post

Poles have good reason to hope they can defy the odds again.

The New York Times

This may not be enough for him to defy the odds and secure victory.

The Economist

Athletes' bodies defy the odds, and others live vicariously through their victories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defy the odds" to highlight instances of unexpected success or achievement against strong opposition. It adds a sense of triumph and resilience to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "defy the odds" for routine accomplishments or expected outcomes. The phrase is most impactful when describing situations where success seems highly improbable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defy the odds" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action of resisting or overcoming unfavorable circumstances. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defy the odds" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the act of achieving success against significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports and academic discussions to casual conversations. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times, BBC and Forbes underscores its wide acceptance and versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely involves a high degree of improbability or significant obstacles, avoiding its application to routine achievements. Similar phrases like ""beat the odds"" or "overcome adversity" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beat the odds

Focuses on overcoming challenges or obstacles to achieve a positive outcome, like winning a competition or succeeding in a difficult situation.

overcome adversity

Highlights the act of surmounting difficult circumstances or hardships.

rise above challenges

Emphasizes the ability to elevate oneself beyond difficult situations and achieve success.

triumph over obstacles

Stresses the successful overcoming of impediments or barriers.

prevail against all expectations

Focuses on succeeding despite low expectations or predictions of failure.

achieve the impossible

Implies that something previously considered unattainable has been accomplished.

break the mold

Suggests doing something differently or unconventionally to achieve success, setting a new standard.

make a comeback

Implies recovering from a setback, like an injury or poor performance, and returning to success.

swim against the tide

Highlights acting in opposition to prevailing trends or popular opinion to succeed.

go against the grain

Emphasizes doing something that is contrary to the norm or expected behavior to achieve a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "defy the odds" in a sentence?

You can use "defy the odds" to describe situations where someone or something succeeds despite facing significant challenges. For example, "The small startup managed to "beat the odds" and become a major player in the industry".

What's a more formal alternative to "defy the odds"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "overcome adversity" or "prevail against all expectations" to convey a similar meaning with a more serious tone.

Is "defy the odds" appropriate for academic writing?

While "defy the odds" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal or precise language in academic writing. Phrases like "challenge the status quo" or "transcend limitations" might be more suitable depending on the context.

What is the difference between "defy the odds" and ""beat the odds""?

The phrases are very similar and often interchangeable. "Defy the odds" emphasizes the act of resisting or opposing unfavorable circumstances, while ""beat the odds"" focuses on successfully overcoming them. The subtle difference lies in the active resistance versus the achieved victory.