chinaman's chance

English - English

Definition of chinaman's chance in English English dictionary

No chance; zero possibility; a high or almost certain risk of death or failure

The Chinese, who in the mid-19th century had come to America by the tens of thousands and helped build the transcontinental railway, were on the receiving end of much prejudicial legislation. . . . In the slang wisdom of the day, sojourners from the Middle Kingdom didn't stand a Chinaman's chance..

Etymology

() Originally a reference to the socio-economic prospects of immigrant Chinese labour in the United States in the 19th century, which often involved highly dangerous work on the railroads