Is 'main chance' a common phrase in modern English?

No, it is relatively low-frequency and is most commonly encountered in its idiomatic form 'have an eye for the main chance' in formal writing, journalism, or literary contexts.

Can 'main chance' have a positive meaning?

Rarely. While it denotes a key opportunity, it almost always carries a neutral-to-negative connotation of self-interest. Describing someone as 'seizing the main chance' suggests shrewdness, but describing them as 'always eyeing the main chance' suggests unattractive opportunism.

What is the origin of the phrase?

It dates back to the 16th century, originating from gambling and games of chance, where the 'main chance' referred to the primary or most favorable opportunity to win.

How do I use it in a sentence?

It is almost always used with the definite article 'the' (the main chance) and often within the verb phrase 'have an eye for/to the main chance'. Example: 'In the volatile market, investors must keep an eye out for the main chance.'

main chance

UK/ˌmeɪn ˈtʃɑːns/US/ˌmeɪn ˈtʃæns/

Formal, Literary, Idiomatic

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

The most important or advantageous opportunity, especially for personal gain or advancement.

A key moment or situation that offers the greatest potential benefit, often with connotations of self-interest or shrewd opportunism. Frequently used in the idiom 'to have an eye to/for the main chance,' meaning to be constantly alert for opportunities to benefit oneself.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The phrase often carries a slightly negative or cynical connotation, implying selfishness or calculation. It is more commonly used in the fixed idiom 'have an eye for/to the main chance' than as a standalone noun phrase.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The phrase is established in both varieties but is somewhat more prevalent in British English, particularly in its idiomatic form.

Connotations

Similar in both: implies shrewd, self-interested opportunism.

Frequency

Low-frequency, primarily found in formal writing, commentary, or historical/literary contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

have an eye for themissed theseized thewaited for the

medium

always looking for theprimaryultimatepolitical

weak

greatbigonlyperfect

Grammar

Valency Patterns

to have an eye for/to the main chanceto seize the main chanceto miss the main chancethe main chance presented itself

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

golden opportunityprime chance

Neutral

primary opportunitykey opportunitybest chance

Weak

advantageous momentfavorable opening

Vocabulary

Antonyms

minor opportunityinsignificant chancelost causedead end

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“have an eye for/to the main chance”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used critically to describe a competitor's or colleague's opportunistic focus on personal advancement over collective goals. 'His proposal wasn't about team success; it was pure main chance.'

Academic

Rare. Might appear in historical or literary analysis of characters' motivations, or in political theory discussing opportunism.

Everyday

Very rare in casual conversation. If used, it's often in a knowingly formal or ironic way to comment on someone's self-serving behavior.

Technical

Not used in technical contexts.

Examples

By CEFR Level

He is always looking for the main chance to make money.
She missed the main chance to get that job.

A true entrepreneur has an eye for the main chance and isn't afraid to take calculated risks.
The politician was accused of being more interested in the main chance than in serving the public.

Throughout the merger negotiations, it was evident that the CFO had a keen eye fixed firmly on the main chance for his own promotion.
The novel's antihero is a fascinating study of someone who lets every moral scruple fall by the wayside in pursuit of the main chance.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a MAIN character in a play who is always looking for the main CHANCE to become the star. They have 'an eye for the main chance.'

Conceptual Metaphor

LIFE IS A GAME OF CHANCE (where one seeks the primary winning opportunity).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid literal translation ('главный шанс'). This sounds odd. For the core meaning, use 'наилучшая возможность' or 'главный куш'. For the idiom 'have an eye for the main chance', use 'искать свою выгоду' or 'быть пройдохой'.

Common Mistakes

Using it as a simple synonym for 'good opportunity' without the connotation of self-interest.
Using 'main chance' without the article 'the' (e.g., 'He saw main chance' is incorrect).
Confusing it with 'main event' or 'main course'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

He's a charming fellow, but you must remember he always has .

Multiple Choice

What does the idiom 'to have an eye for the main chance' primarily imply about a person?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is relatively low-frequency and is most commonly encountered in its idiomatic form 'have an eye for the main chance' in formal writing, journalism, or literary contexts.
: Rarely. While it denotes a key opportunity, it almost always carries a neutral-to-negative connotation of self-interest. Describing someone as 'seizing the main chance' suggests shrewdness, but describing them as 'always eyeing the main chance' suggests unattractive opportunism.
: It dates back to the 16th century, originating from gambling and games of chance, where the 'main chance' referred to the primary or most favorable opportunity to win.
: It is almost always used with the definite article 'the' (the main chance) and often within the verb phrase 'have an eye for/to the main chance'. Example: 'In the volatile market, investors must keep an eye out for the main chance.'