General
buckley's chance
What does buckley's chance mean?
Almost no chance at all; often just 'Buckley's'.
"You've got Buckley's chance of finishing that by Friday."
Origin
Possibly after escaped convict William Buckley, or a pun on the store 'Buckley & Nunn' (none).
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Buckley's chance' mean?
Buckley's chance means little or no chance at all; it's often shortened to just 'Buckley's', as in 'you've got Buckley's of getting that done'.
Where does 'Buckley's chance' come from?
Its origin is debated: it may honour escaped convict William Buckley who improbably survived years in the bush, or play on the old Melbourne store 'Buckley & Nunn', punning on 'none'.
What does 'Buckley's and none' mean?
It's an extended, emphatic form meaning you have two chances, Buckley's and none, i.e. effectively no chance whatsoever.
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