The idiomatic expression "matter of chance" means that something is determined by luck, randomness, or unpredictable events rather than by skill, planning, or any other controllable factor. It implies that the outcome is uncertain and subject to forces beyond anyone's control.
While the words themselves have literal meanings, the phrase "matter of chance" is almost always used figuratively to describe situations where outcomes are uncertain and dependent on luck or random factors. There isn't a well-documented origin, but it aligns with the general concept of "chance" as a synonym for luck or probability.
The register of "matter of chance" is generally neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the communication.
"Matter of chance" is a noun phrase, typically used with a linking verb like "is" or "was." It can be modified by adverbs such as "purely," "largely," or "mostly." It can be negated (e.g., "not a matter of chance") to indicate that something is deliberate or planned.
Using the phrase over-literally or in contexts where predictability or control are clear would sound unnatural. For example, saying "The sun rising is a matter of chance" would be incorrect because sunrise is a predictable event.
"It was more a matter of chance." — The New York Times
"The choice is a matter of chance." — The New York Times - Health
"One's life is a matter of chance." — The Guardian
"Strong past performance is often a matter of chance." — The New York Times
"Whether or not you are granted political asylum seems to be a matter of chance." — The Guardian - Lifestyle
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/matter+of+chance
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| up to fate | Suggests destiny or a higher power is in control; slightly fatalistic. |
| a lottery | Emphasizes random selection with no skill involved. |
| pure luck | Stresses the role of good fortune. |
| random chance | Simply reinforces the idea of randomness and unpredictability. |
| hit or miss | Describes something that is inconsistent and may or may not succeed. |
| a gamble | Implies taking a risk where the outcome is uncertain. |
| left to chance | Suggests a lack of planning and reliance on luck. |
| Expression | Idiomatic Meaning | Register | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|---|
| matter of chance | Determined by luck or random events; unpredictable. | Neutral | Situations with predictable outcomes. |
No, "matter of chance" is almost always used figuratively to describe situations where the outcome is unpredictable and depends on luck or random factors. While the individual words have literal meanings, the phrase as a whole conveys a sense of unpredictability and lack of control.
While both phrases involve uncertainty, "matter of chance" simply emphasizes that the outcome is random, whereas "gamble" implies taking a deliberate risk with the hope of a positive outcome. A gamble involves a choice to accept the risk, while a matter of chance suggests the outcome is beyond control.
A common mistake is to try and replace the word "chance" with a synonym like "opportunity" or "possibility." This misinterprets the idiomatic meaning, which emphasizes randomness and the lack of control over the outcome, not simply a potential for something to occur.
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