A Chinaman's Chance

The expression of “A Chinaman’s Chance” means there is little chance. The origin is not clear but there is one plausible explanation. Chinese migrant workers in Western U.S. were sent into mines and construction sites to ignite dynamite, with unpredictable results. They were also lowered over cliffs by rope and Boatswain’s chairs to set dynamite to clear massive rocks and other obstructions to make way for the railroad construction. If they were not lifted back up before the blast, the consequences would be serious injury or even death.