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odds
(redirected from taking odds)

   Also found in: Medical, Legal 0.01 sec.
odds  (dz)
pl.n.
1. A certain number of points given beforehand to a weaker side in a contest to equalize the chances of all participants.
2.
a. The ratio of the probability of an event's occurring to the probability of its not occurring.
b. The likelihood of the occurrence of one thing rather than the occurrence of another thing, as in a contest: The odds are that she will get the nomination on the first ballot.
3. Games A ratio expressing the amount by which the stake of one bettor differs from that of an opposing bettor.
4. An amount or a degree by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another: won the contest by considerable odds.
Idioms:
at odds
In disagreement; in conflict: "The artist and the self-critic . . . are, with a few felicitous exceptions, forever at odds" (Joyce Carol Oates).
by all odds
In every possible way; unquestionably: By all odds it is the best film of the year.

[Pl. of odd.]

odds [ɒdz]
pl n
1. (Group Games / Gambling, except Cards) (foll by on or against) the probability, expressed as a ratio, that a certain event will take place the odds against the outsider are a hundred to one
2. (Group Games / Gambling, except Cards) the amount, expressed as a ratio, by which the wager of one better is greater than that of another he was offering odds of five to one
3. the likelihood that a certain state of affairs will be found to be so the odds are that he is drunk
4. the chances or likelihood of success in a certain undertaking their odds were very poor after it rained
5. (General Sporting Terms) an equalizing allowance, esp one given to a weaker side in a contest
6. the advantage that one contender is judged to have over another the odds are on my team
7. Brit a significant difference (esp in the phrase it makes no odds)
at odds
a.  on bad terms
b.  appearing not to correspond or match the silvery hair was at odds with her youthful shape
(Group Games / Gambling, except Cards)
give or lay odds to offer a bet with favourable odds
(Group Games / Gambling, except Cards)
take odds to accept such a bet
over the odds
a.  more than is expected, necessary, etc. he got two pounds over the odds for this job
b.  unfair or excessive
what's the odds? Brit informal what difference does it make?

odds


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I watched the TV this morning and it's ridiculous that they are already taking odds on how long he will be here.
I see they're taking odds on me getting to 25 years.
BetDirect are taking odds on which match will be screened last on the season's opening Match of the Day.
 
 
 
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