not have an earthly chance

not have an earthly chance

To have no possible or feasible chance of doing or accomplishing something. Primarily heard in UK. He doesn't have an earthly chance of winning, but I'm voting for him nonetheless. I knew I wouldn't have an earthly chance of getting that promotion if I didn't make myself stand out in the company more.See also: chance, earthly, have, not

not have an earthly chance

Also, stand no earthly chance. Have no chance whatever, as in She doesn't have an earthly chance of getting into medical school, or Bill stands no earthly chance of winning the lottery. The use of no earthly in the sense of "no conceivable" dates from the mid-1700s. See also: chance, earthly, have, not

not (have) an ˈearthly (chance)

(British English, informal) (have) no chance at all: You haven’t an earthly chance of beating her at tennis — she is one of the best players in the country. ♢ ‘Any chance of getting a ticket for the concert?’ ‘Not an earthly, I’m afraid.’See also: earthly, not