Question

Woman: I'm just here on the off chance that Dr. Brown may be able to see me. Man: Please take a seat and I'll see if I can fit you in. What does the woman mean? A) I assume there's a good chance that I can see Dr. Brown. B) It's unlikely but I was hoping to see Dr. Brown. C) I don't think it's possible to see Dr. Brown.

Answer 1

The woman's statement, 'I'm just here on the off chance that Dr. Brown may be able to see me,' suggests that she realizes it's unlikely to be seen by Dr. Brown, but she's hoping that it might be possible. This is expressed in the English idiom 'on the off chance.'

Step-by-step explanation:

When the woman says, 'I'm just here on the off chance that Dr. Brown may be able to see me,' she means option B) It's unlikely but I was hoping to see Dr. Brown.

The phrase 'on the off chance' is an English idiom that indicates a person is doing something in hope of a particular outcome, even though they realize it is unlikely.

By stating it this way, the woman is acknowledging the slim likelihood of being seen by Dr. Brown, but expresses her hope that it might happen. The man's response, 'I'll see if I can fit you in' also aligns with this interpretation, suggesting he understands her unexpected visit and willingness to wait.

Learn more about English idiom