the odds are stacked against you - idiom meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "the odds are stacked against you" idiom?

Answer 1

 

Idiom Conjugations:

 

Answer 2

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Having the odds stacked against you can be frustrating or challenging depending on your attitude.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Usage:

The odds are stacked against you can be used formally or informally.
 
See the conjugations for variations of the odds are stacked against you.
 

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 1:

After a severe car accident, a man becomes paralyzed in both legs. The man is consulting with his doctor ...

Man: Tell me the truth doctor. Will I ever walk again?
Doctor: With your type of injury, it is unlikely, although there is a new surgery available but even after the surgery, which may or may not work, there will be months of rehabilitation which may or may not work. Finally, there may be more surgeries needed after that.
Man: Well, the odds seem to be stacked against me but I am determined to try.
Doctor: OK. I'll schedule the pre-surgery exam for next week.
Man: Thanks Doc!

 

Answer 5

Idiom Definition:

"the odds are stacked against you "

there are many obstacles and difficulties, for whatever reason, that are in the way of your success

Synonyms: arduous, challenging, demanding, effortful, exacting, formidable, gargantuan, herculean, immense, onerous, problem, problematic, prohibitive, severe, stiff, strenuous, titanic, toilsome, tough, troublesome, trying, uphill, upstream, wearisome