ances Idiom, Proverb

chances are

it is quite possible, it may be Chances are they're lost, and that's why they're late.

keep up appearances

keep an outward show of prosperity or good behavior They have been trying to keep up appearances even though he has lost his job.

make advances

try to kiss or touch, come onto, get fresh """If he doesn't make advances, should I?"" Shelly asked."

to all appearances

apparently显然
What he said was to all appearances correct．他所说的显然是正确的。

under no circumstances

never；whatever may happen决不；无论在何种情况下都不
I made up my mind that under no circumstances would I agree to such a decision．我决心在任何情况下都不同意这样的决定。

under the circumstances

Idiom(s): under the circumstances

Theme: BECAUSE

in a particular situation; because of the circumstances.
• I'm sorry to hear that you’re ill. Under the circumstances, you may take the day off.
• We wont expect you to come to work for a few days, under the circumstances.

make allowances for

Idiom(s): make allowance(s) (for sb or sth)

Theme: EXCUSES

to make excuses or explanations for someone or something; to take into consideration the negative effects of someone or something.
• You re very late even when we make allowance for the weather.
• We have to make allowance for the age of the house when we judge its condition.

extenuating circumstances

Idiom(s): extenuating circumstances

Theme: CAUSES

special circumstances that account for an irregular or improper way of doing something.
• Mary was permitted to arrive late because of extenuating circumstances.
• Due to extenuating circumstances, the teacher will not hold class today.

checks and balances

Idiom(s): checks and balances

Theme: BALANCE

a system where power is kept in control and balance between the various branches of government. (Fixed order.)
• The newspaper editor claimed that the system of checks and balances built into our Constitution has been subverted by party politics.
• We depend on checks and balances in government to keep despots from seizing control of the government.

by all appearances

Idiom(s): by all appearances

Theme: APPEARANCE - EVIDENCE

apparently; according to what one sees.
• She is, by all appearances, ready to resume work.
• By all appearances, we ought to be approaching the airport.

air one's grievances

Idiom(s): air one's grievances

Theme: COMPLAINT

to complain; to make a public complaint.
• I know how you feel, John, but it isn't necessary to air your grievances over and over.
• I know you're busy, sir, but I must air my grievances. This matter is very serious.

circumstances alter cases|cases|circumstances

formal The way things are, or happen, may change the way you are expected to act. John's father told him never to touch his gun, but one day when Father was away, John used it to shoot a poisonous snake that came into the yard. Circumstances alter cases.

keep up appearances|appearance|appearances|keep

v. phr. To maintain an outward show of prosperity in spite of financial problems. Mr. Smith's widow had a hard time keeping up appearances after her husband's death.

under the circumstances|circumstances|in the circu

adv. phr. In the existing situation; in the present condition; as things are. In the circumstances, Father couldn't risk giving up his job. Under the circumstances, the stagecoach passengers had to give the robbers their money.

in the circumstances

in the circumstances
see under the circumstances.

take one's chances

take one's chances
Accept the risks, resign oneself to whatever happens, as in I've no idea whether this scheme will work; I'll just take my chances. [Early 1300s]

under any circumstances

under any circumstances
Also, under no circumstances. See under the circumstances.