main chance

noun

1. an opportunity offering the greatest gain:

   Being ambitious, he always had an eye for the main chance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of main chance¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

He posed less as a savior of TikTok’s users from the sinister designs of Chinese overlords than an investor spotting the main chance on the horizon.

From Los Angeles Times

They had revisited an early screenplay of David’s called “The Main Chance,” which takes places at the Saratoga Race Course, but Rita said they backed off once David became agitated, thinking he was back at the track.

From New York Times

The two become precarious friends, with Norma forever seizing the main chance, often to Susan’s detriment.

From Washington Post

Win or lose, the GOP will declare that Biden blew his main chance.

From Salon

Injuries to his main chance creators.

From Seattle Times