Feifei Hello and welcome back to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei.
** Rob** And I’m Rob. Have I told you about the competition that I’ve entered, Feifei?
** Feifei** No, Rob. What is it?
** Rob** It’s a singing competition! You have to perform a popular song from your favourite band – and I’m going to win!
** Feifei** You? Are going to win? No offence, Rob, but I’ve heard your singing voice, and, well, I’m not sure…
** Rob** What are you trying to say, Feifei?
** Feifei** All I’m saying is that there is fat chance of you winning the competition!
** Rob** Right! So first you make fun of my singing and now you’re calling me fat! How cheeky!
** Feifei** No Rob, no. I’m not calling you fat – I’m saying that the likelihood of you winning the competition is very small.
** Rob** Oh right, yes. ‘Fat chance’ is an English phrase to say something is not very likely – I remember now.
** Feifei** Right, well while you calm down, let’s hear some other examples of this phrase.
** Examples** A: I bought a lottery ticket for tonight’s draw – and these are my lucky numbers! I’m definitely going to win!
B: Fat chance!
A: I hope it’s warm this weekend – I want to go fishing.
B: Well, fat chance of that. It’s the middle of November!
I auditioned for a role in a movie, but there is fat chance of me getting the role – I saw loads of famous actors auditioning too.** Feifei** This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the phrase ‘fat chance’. This is a noun phrase that means a small chance, or possibility, of something happening. It can be used in a full sentence, and also as a standalone phrase. For example, when Rob said he was going to win the competition, I could have just said ‘fat chance’!
** Rob** Hey! I think I’ve got a really good chance! I’ve been practising hard and I’ve even taken a few lessons!
** Feifei** OK, Rob. Well… good luck? I suppose…
** Rob** Well Feifei, when I win the £5000 prize money, there’s fat chance of you getting any of it.
** Feifei** Wait, £5000? Rob, hold one! I didn’t mean it!
Thanks for joining us – I’ve got to go and apologise to Rob. Hopefully he’ll share his winnings! Bye!