short odds: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Low FrequencyInformal, journalistic (especially sports/business reporting)
Quick answer
What does “short odds” mean?
A situation where something is considered very likely to happen or succeed, as indicated by betting odds that are low (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A situation where something is considered very likely to happen or succeed, as indicated by betting odds that are low (e.g., 2/1 or less), meaning a high probability results in a low potential payout.
Used metaphorically beyond gambling to indicate a high probability or strong likelihood of any outcome. Often implies confidence in a prediction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept and usage are identical. More commonly heard in the UK/Ireland due to deeper cultural penetration of fractional odds betting terminology. In the US, 'short odds' is understood but 'heavy favorite' or 'low odds' (using moneyline/decimal format) might be more frequent in sports media.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with bookmakers and sports (horse racing, football). Conveys a matter-of-fact assessment of probability. US: May sound slightly British or technical; carries a stronger gambling connotation.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English. In US English, it's a recognized term but not the default expression for high probability.
Grammar
How to Use “short odds” in a Sentence
[Bookmaker/They] + offer/quote + short odds + on + [event/outcome][It/That] + is/are + short odds + (that-clause/to-infinitive)[Subject] + is + at + short odds + to-infinitiveVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “short odds” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The bookies are offering surprisingly short odds on a home win.
- At those short odds, it's hardly worth placing a bet.
American English
- The short odds on the incumbent reflect the polling data.
- He took the short odds, seeing it as a safe investment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The merger is short odds to be approved by regulators next month." (Indicates confident market prediction)
Academic
Rare. Might appear in economics/papers on probability: "The model assigns short odds to a recession."
Everyday
"Given the dark clouds, it's short odds for rain this afternoon."
Technical
Primarily in statistical or gambling contexts: "The implied probability from short odds of 1/5 is 83.3%."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “short odds”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “short odds”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short odds”
- Using 'short odd' (singular – always plural 'odds').
- Confusing with 'short-term odds'.
- Using for personal ability ('I have short odds to pass') instead of for external events.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it implies very high probability but retains a hint of uncertainty inherent in betting. For certainty, terms like 'certainty' or 'guarantee' are used.
It is informal. In formal academic or business writing, 'highly probable' or 'a high likelihood' is preferred.
The direct opposite is 'long odds', meaning a low probability/high payout bet.
Always plural. 'The odds ARE short', never 'The odds IS short'.
A situation where something is considered very likely to happen or succeed, as indicated by betting odds that are low (e.
Short odds: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɔːt ɒdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɔːrt ɑːdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's short odds that...”
- “a short-odds bet”
- “back something at short odds”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'short' distance to victory – it's not far, so it's very likely. Short payout = short odds = high chance.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIKELIHOOD IS A DISTANCE / LIKELIHOOD IS A RATIO (The shorter the odds ratio, the closer and more certain the outcome).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'short odds' express in a non-gambling context?