the odds are stacked against (someone or something)

the odds are stacked against (someone or something)

Someone or something is unlikely to be successful due to some existing circumstances, conditions, or obstacles that are likely to present difficulties. Tiffany wants to pursue a career in modeling, but she's only five feet tall, so the odds are stacked against her. The odds are stacked against their campaign, thanks to a lack of funding.See also: odds, stacked