face stiff odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face stiff odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is confronted with significant challenges or difficulties. Example: "Despite facing stiff odds, the underdog team managed to win the championship against all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even if the measure were to pass the Democratic-led Senate, it would face stiff odds in the Republican-led House.

The Washington Post

That means both the Clinton and Sanders proposals would face stiff odds of passing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Mr. Motlanthe faces stiff odds.

The New York Times

Before New Hampshire, Mr. McCain liked to offer himself as "the overwhelming underdog" who faced stiff odds getting the nomination.

The New York Times

New parties have faced stiff odds against the A.N.C., while its majorities have narrowed slightly since the first euphoric vote in 1994 that brought Mr. Mandela to power.

The New York Times

No company is hanging on tighter and is facing stiffer odds than Alpha Natural Resources, a top producer of various grades of coal used to make steel and produce power.

The New York Times

Faced with the stiff odds, though, I was not willing to risk a delay, and so I braced myself for a long night ahead.

The Economist

You've heard countless stories of the stiff odds facing the unemployed.

Huffington Post

In the general election, whose voting began on June 30th and is due to continue until July 10th, an average of 25 candidates is standing for each of the 109 seats.Betson Usereko, who runs a motor workshop in Henganofi district near Goroka, a main town in the highlands, faces even stiffer odds.

The Economist

Still, Mr. Akin, a conservative who had already shocked many establishment Republicans in Missouri this month by winning a primary against two other well-known candidates for a Senate seat that Republicans have seen as a prime pickup from the Democrats, faces far stiffer odds than he did even a few days ago.

The New York Times

What time he was in Kentucky was usually devoted to Wetherby's campaign, since the Democrats believed Clements would be re-elected easily while Wetherby faced much stiffer odds.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While acceptable, "face stiff odds" might be replaced with more direct language in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "face stiff odds" when the challenge is minor or easily overcome. The phrase is most impactful when describing significant, almost insurmountable obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face stiff odds" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a situation where an individual, group, or entity is confronted with significant challenges that make success unlikely. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "face stiff odds" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations fraught with challenges and a low probability of success. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it finds its primary context in news and media reporting, conveying the magnitude of difficulties faced by individuals or entities. When writing, ensure the weight of the phrase matches the gravity of the situation being described, and consider alternatives like "encounter significant challenges" for more direct or formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encounter significant challenges

Replaces the idiom with a more straightforward description of the situation.

confront considerable difficulties

Uses more formal vocabulary to express the idea of dealing with problems.

meet with formidable obstacles

Emphasizes the strength and size of the impediments.

be up against tough competition

Specifically refers to competitive situations where success is difficult to achieve.

have a difficult time succeeding

Focuses on the likelihood of failure due to existing hardships.

struggle against adversity

Highlights the ongoing effort to overcome unfavorable conditions.

contend with major hurdles

Implies a series of significant obstacles that must be overcome.

navigate a challenging landscape

Uses a metaphorical image to describe dealing with a complex and difficult situation.

be in a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

labor under unfavorable conditions

Implies a continuous and burdensome effort due to negative circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "face stiff odds" in a sentence?

You can use "face stiff odds" to describe situations where someone or something is likely to fail or struggle due to significant challenges. For example, "The startup will "face stiff odds" competing against established industry giants".

What are some alternatives to "face stiff odds"?

You can use alternatives like "encounter significant challenges", "confront considerable difficulties", or "meet with formidable obstacles" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "face stiff odds" or "face tough challenges"?

"Face stiff odds" is more idiomatic and emphasizes the unlikelihood of success. "Face tough challenges" is more direct and general. The best choice depends on the desired tone and level of formality. Consider using "tough challenges" in more formal contexts.

What does it mean to "face stiff odds"?

To "face stiff odds" means to confront a situation where the chances of success are very low due to significant obstacles or challenges. It suggests that the individual or entity is in a difficult and unfavorable position.