the odds are against (someone or something)
Someone or something is unlikely to be successful due to some existing circumstances, conditions, or obstacles that are likely to present difficulties. Tiffany wants to pursue a career in modeling, but she's only five feet tall, so the odds are against her. The odds are against their campaign, thanks to a lack of funding.
odds are against one
[for fate] to be against one generally. You can give it a try, but the odds are against you. I know the odds are against me, but I wish to run in the race anyway.