leave something to chance

IPA/lˈiːv sˈʌmθɪŋ tə tʃˈans/
IPA/lˈiːv sˈʌmθɪŋ tə tʃˈæns/

leave something to chance — collocation

1. to let luck decide what will happen instead of preparing or checking things firs

1.搭配詞及物B2
釋義

to let luck decide what will happen instead of preparing or checking things first.

例句

Putri did not check the weather and left the picnic to chance.

leave [event] to chance instead of preparing

Hospital staff never leave drug labels to chance during the night shift.

not leave [important detail] to chance

同義詞
  • wing it

    more informal and often stresses acting without preparation in the moment

  • play it by ear

    focuses on deciding later as events develop, not simply trusting luck

  • take your chances

    stresses accepting a risk yourself rather than failing to prepare

反義詞

文法句型

leave [something] to chance

leave it to chance

not leave [something] to chance

用法筆記

Often used when the speaker thinks more preparation is needed. Common objects are plans, bookings, safety steps, timing, and other details that should be checked in advance.

常見錯誤

We left the seating plan by chance.
We left the seating plan to chance.
💡This fixed phrase uses 'to chance', not 'by chance'.
He left to chance the hotel booking.
He left the hotel booking to chance.
💡The thing left unplanned usually comes before 'to chance'.