on the off chance

English

Alternative forms

• on the off-chance

Etymology

From off chance.

Adverb

on the off chance

1. Hoping that (something is the case), even if it is unlikely.

Usage notes

Can be followed by a subordinate clause introduced by that.

References

• “on the off chance” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.
• “on the off chance” (US) / “on the off chance” (UK) in Macmillan English Dictionary.
• “on the off chance”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.