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#2 (permalink) Thu Apr 05, 2007 13:00 pm idiom "the main chance" |
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Hi LS
I wouldn't say the whole sentence is an idiom, but rather only part of it: to have one's eye on something "to have seen something that you want and that you intend to get." "to admire and want to have something."
http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/have+eye+on
In the link above you'll notice that you can also "have your eye on someone". "to watch someone carefully"
What or who "the main chance" might be depends on the broader context. _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
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#3 (permalink) Thu Apr 05, 2007 13:07 pm idiom "the main chance" |
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Here's something for perspective:
have an eye to/for the main chance UK Someone who has an eye to/for the main chance is always ready to use a situation to their own advantage.
(from Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
have an eye for/on the main chance British & Australian if someone has an eye for the main chance, they are always looking for opportunities to make money and to improve their situation: She was someone who had an eye on the main chance and who never missed an opportunity to exploit others.
(from Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms) |
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Conchita Language Coach

Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 2826 Location: Madrid, Spain
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#4 (permalink) Thu Apr 05, 2007 13:09 pm idiom "the main chance" |
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Thanks, Conchita. I'd never heard that expression before. So I guess you might say "the broader context" here is British and Australian English. :lol: _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
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