Objective Proficiency p 16. Odds

odds: (plural)  
1. (also the odds) the degree to which something is likely to happen. E.g. The odds are very much in our favour (= we are likely to succeed). The odds are heavily against him (= he is not likely to succeed). The odds are that (= it is likely that) she'll win. What are the odds (= how likely is it) he won't turn up?
2. something that makes it seem impossible to do or achieve something. E.g. They secured a victory in the face of overwhelming odds. Against all (the) odds, he made a full recovery.