Certainty & Possibility - Possibility

Discover how English idioms like "read the tea leaves" and "the sky is the limit" relate to possibility in English.

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ten to one [phrase]

extremely likely

Ex: Based on her track record , it 's ten to one that she 'll win the competition again .

the sky is the limit [sentence]

used to say that there is nothing to prevent someone or something from achieving success

Ex: As an artist , your creativity knows no bounds ; the sky is the limit for your imagination .

while the getting [is] good [phrase]

before the opportunity to do or achieve something passes

Ex:

to [come] {one's} way [phrase]

(of something good) to happen or become available to one

Ex: A once-in-a-lifetime adventure came their way , and they decided to seize it .

to [be] in the air [phrase]

to get the feeling that something is about to happen

Ex:

if worst comes to worst [sentence]

used for saying if the worst possible or most difficult thing happens

Ex: We hope for the best , but if worst comes to worst , we can always reschedule the meeting .

storm is brewing [sentence]

used to say that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen

Ex: A storm is brewing in their relationship , and they need to address the issues .

when push [come] to shove [phrase]

used when a situation reaches a critical point and one must take action in order to deal with it

Ex: The negotiations were tough , but when push came to shove , they reached a compromise .

to [stand] a chance [phrase]

to have a likelihood of success or achieving a desired outcome

Ex: Even in the face of adversity , if you believe in yourself , you stand a chance of overcoming challenges .

to [read] the tea leaves [phrase]

to be able to say or estimate what is about to happen in the future

Ex: In the meeting , the CEO hinted at upcoming changes , and employees are now reading the tea leaves to understand the direction the company might take .

on paper [phrase]

theoretically rather than practically

Ex: His qualifications on paper were impressive , but his practical skills did n't match the expectations .

cloud on the horizon [phrase]

something that will be troublesome or problematic in the near future

Ex: The medical tests revealed a potential health issue , but early detection is key to addressing the cloud on the horizon .

Certainty & Possibility
Certainty	Uncertainty	Unlikely Situations	Impossibility
Luck & Chance	Possibility	Likelihood	Expectations
Unexpected	Unbelievable	Definite or Unavoidable