Chance would be a fine thing

Posted by Desmond Gaynor on May 15, 2005

What is the origin of the phrase: "chance would be a fine thing"? Is it used only in the UK? Perhaps someone might also like to define the appropriate context for the phrase. As I understand it, the phrase is used where one is talking about some eventuality or set of circumstances one would like to see come about but which one thinks unlikely - usually because of lack of co-operation or goodwill on the part of someone else.

• Chance would be a fine thing David FG 16/May/05
  • Chance would be a fine thing R. Berg 16/May/05
    • Chance would be a fine thing James Briggs 17/May/05