odds are

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.Difference in favor of one and against another; excess of one of two things or numbers over the other; inequality; advantage; superiority; hence, excess of chances; probability. The odds are often expressed by a ratio; as, the odds are three to one that he will win, i. e. he will win three times out of four "Preeminent by so much odds." --Milton. "The fearful odds of that unequal fray." --Trench. [1913 Webster]

The odds Is that we scarce are men and you are gods.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

There appeared, at least, four to one odds against them.— Swift.[1913 Webster]

All the odds between them has been the different scope . . . given to their understandings to range in.— Locke.[1913 Webster]

Judging is balancing an account and determining on which side the odds lie.— Locke.[1913 Webster]

2.Quarrel; dispute; debate; strife; -- chiefly in the phrase at odds. [1913 Webster]

Set them into confounding odds.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

I can not speak Any beginning to this peevish odds.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

At odds, in dispute; at variance. "These squires at odds did fall." --Spenser. "He flashes into one gross crime or other, that sets us all at odds." --Shak.

It is odds, it is probable; same as odds are, but no longer used. [Obs.] --Jer. Taylor.

odds are it is probable; as, odds are he will win the gold medal.

Odds and ends, that which is left; remnants; fragments; refuse; scraps; miscellaneous articles. "My brain is filled . . . with all kinds of odds and ends." --W. Irving.

slim odds low odds; poor chances; as, there are slim odds he will win any medal. [1913 Webster +PJC]