chance'd be a fine thing

alternative chance is a fine thing · alternative chance's a fine thing · alternative chance would be a fine thing

1. UKidiomaticSynonym of no chance or fat chance, with a somewhat more cheerful attitude.

   Me winning the lotto? Chance'd be a fine thing.

   3 more examples

   Mrs Hawthon: Why didn't you get wed if you were so curious? There's plenty would have had you. Fanny: Chance is a fine thing. Happen I wouldn't have had them! Mrs Hawthorn: Happen you'll be sorry for it before long. There's not so many will have you now, if this gets about.

   1912, Stanley Houghton, Hindle Wakes, act I, scene i

   Come on. You're management, Corrigan. Get it sorted. Right. Chance would be a fine thing. [VO] That's a thing people say, isn't it... Mark, can't you reset it? Chance would be a fine thing, Lisa. I know what you should do. Coffee run. Corrigan, 200 lattes. Good, good one Jeff. Chance would be a fine thing, a fine thing indeed. [VO] Hmm. Saying that too often now.

   2009 September 18, Jesse Armstrong & al., Peep Show, Season 6, Episode 1

   Dr Clarkson: Sit down and put your feet up if you can. Mrs Patmore: Oh, chance'd be a fine thing.

   2012 September 23, Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey, Season 3, Episode 2

   Synonyms: no chance or fat chance, with a somewhat more cheerful attitude, one should be so lucky, one should live so long