English Idioms. Play the odds.

"Play the odds" is an idiomatic expression that refers to making decisions or taking actions based on the likelihood of a favorable outcome. It involves assessing the probabilities and potential risks involved in a situation and making choices that maximize the chances of success.

When someone advises you to "play the odds," they are suggesting that you consider the probabilities and make a decision that offers the greatest potential benefit or advantage. It implies using logic, reason, and statistical analysis to make informed choices rather than relying solely on chance or intuition.

In various contexts, playing the odds can involve different strategies. For example, in gambling, it may mean placing bets based on the probabilities of winning. In everyday life, it could involve evaluating the risks and benefits of different options and choosing the one with the highest likelihood of success.

Overall, "playing the odds" encourages a rational and calculated approach to decision-making, where one weighs the potential outcomes and chooses the course of action that offers the greatest chance of achieving the desired result.