take chances

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take (one's) chances

1. To seize and make the most of opportunities as they present themselves. It was a heartbreaking loss, but we have no one to blame but ourselves—if you don't take your chances in a game, you're never going to succeed.

2. To try to do something that carries a high risk of having a negative or unfortunate outcome. A: "You know that this deal could bankrupt the company, right?" B: "But if it works, it will make us a fortune. Let's take our chances."

take a chance

To try to do something that has a high probability of having a negative or unfortunate outcome. I'm taking a real chance hiring this guy, so you had better be right about him. You're never going to find real success unless you're willing to take a chance now and then.

take ˈchances

do risky things: Take no chances: don’t lend money to people you don’t know.