Take a chance means to try something even though success is not guaranteed. Take a chance on somebody means to give a person an opportunity and trust them or their idea.
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take a chance (on + person/idea); take a chance and + verb; take chances; take the chance to + verb
- I didn't know anyone in London, but I took a chance and applied for a job there.
- The small publisher took a chance on an unknown author, and the book became a hit.
What changed
First versionI risked and sent my CV to a company in Dubai.
RevisionI took a chance and sent my CV to a company in Dubai.
The verb risk needs an object: risk your money, risk it. Without one, I risked sounds unfinished. Took a chance is the natural choice without an object, so it replaced risked.
Take a chance means to take a risk. Take the chance to do something means to make use of an opportunity, with no risk involved: In Madrid, I took the chance to practise my Spanish.
Your turn
The band had no fans yet, but a small label decided to take a chance ___ them.
Show the answer
on — The label trusted the band and took a risk, and in this meaning take a chance is followed by on. The expression is not used with for.
Think of a decision where you took a risk. Write what you did and how it turned out.
Three years ago I took a chance and moved to Kazan for a new job, and it turned out to be the best decision I've ever made.
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