n.pl. 1 the ratio between the amounts staked by the parties to a bet, based on the expected probability either way. 2 the chances or balance of probability in favour of or against some result (the odds are against it; the odds are that it will rain). 3 the balance of advantage (the odds are in your favour; won against all the odds). 4 an equalizing allowance to a weaker competitor. 5 a difference giving an advantage (it makes no odds). at odds (often foll. by with) in conflict or at variance. by all odds certainly. lay (or give) odds offer a bet with odds favourable to the other better. odds and ends miscellaneous articles or remnants. odds-on a state when success is more likely than failure, esp. as indicated by the betting odds. over the odds above a generally agreed price etc. take odds offer a bet with odds unfavourable to the other better. what's the odds? colloq. what does it matter?
[ app. pl. of ODD n.: cf. NEWS ]