to stand a chance: to have the possibility of accomplishing something Examples of TO STAND A CHANCE With coast guard teams using the Stiletto, smugglers seem not to stand a chance. Poor little child doesn’t stand a chance at a good life, being with such losers.

cut and dried: predictable, known beforehand; boring Examples of CUT AND DRIED For those who have never been seriously ill, treatment often seems cut and dried. In conversation, the director concedes that the issue is not so cut-and-dried.

for good: permanently, forever Examples of FOR GOOD “I’m ending this conversation for good!” she yelled, storming out and slamming the door. It feels great to have the race finished for good.

to cut down on: to reduce, to lessen (also: to cut back on) Examples of TO CUT DOWN ON As she was making her budget, she realized she needed to cut down on her expenses. My doctor told me to cut down on desserts.

to have one’s heart set on: to desire greatly, to be determined to Examples of TO HAVE ONE’S HEART SET ON She has her heart set on taking a trip abroad. She’s been thinking about it for months. Todd has his heart set on going to medical school and becoming a doctor.

to kick the habit: to stop a bad habit Examples of TO KICK THE HABIT People have grown up reading paper books and will not kick the habit easily. The doctor advised the heavy cigarette smoker that her heart had become damaged and that she should kick the habit right away.