main chance

American  

noun

1. an opportunity offering the greatest gain.

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

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Etymology

Origin of main chance

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

“We don’t have our own performing arts center here in Kent, so Spotlight Series is our main chance for people to see really high-quality performing arts entertainment close to home,” Billerbeck said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 20, 2022

In the frenzied search for COVID-19 treatments, it may be difficult to distinguish promising efforts from those just grasping at the main chance.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2020

And like many, from McCoy himself to a huge Thanksgiving Day audience, I can’t wait to see him finally get the main chance that he’s totally earned.

From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2018

Born in Kansas City, Katherine Noel Brosnahan took the path so many Midwesterners have and headed for New York City and the main chance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2018

But this was my main chance, the only one.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt