Buckley's
noun · casual
No chance at all.
How Aussies use it
- You've got Buckley's of getting a park there on a Saturday.
- We've got Buckley's chance of finishing by five.
How to pronounce ‘Buckley's’
Say it like this: BUK-leez
‘Buckley's’ in a conversation
Ari: Do you think we'll get tickets to the final?
Jen: Buckley's. They sold out in ten minutes.
Good to know
You'll hear 'Buckley's', 'Buckley's chance' and 'Buckley's and none'. Nobody is completely sure where the name comes from, and there are a few different stories.
Where you'll hear ‘Buckley's’
You'll hear 'Buckley's' when people talk about something that almost certainly won't happen: winning the lottery, finding a park in the city or getting a quick appointment. Sports fans use it a lot about their team's chances.
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone says 'You've got Buckley's', they think you have no chance, so you can laugh and say 'We'll see!' Use it yourself for a funny, very Aussie way to say 'no way'.
More examples
- He's got Buckley's of finishing that pizza on his own.
- There's Buckley's chance the shop will be open on Christmas Day.
- 'Will it stop raining today?' 'Buckley's.'
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
A common mistake
It doesn't mean a small chance. It means no chance at all.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use no chance instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
We left too late. We've got ___ of catching the train now.
Show the answer
Buckley's
Quick check
What does ‘Buckley's’ mean?
- To tell someone in charge that another person did something wrong.
- A chicken.
- No chance at all.
Show the answer
C. No chance at all.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Buckley's' mean in Australia?
No chance at all. You'll hear 'Buckley's', 'Buckley's chance' and 'Buckley's and none'. Nobody is completely sure where the name comes from, and there are a few different stories.
Can I say 'Buckley's' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'Buckley's' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'Buckley's'?
Say it like this: BUK-leez. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'Buckley's'?
You'll hear 'Buckley's' when people talk about something that almost certainly won't happen: winning the lottery, finding a park in the city or getting a quick appointment. Sports fans use it a lot about their team's chances.
More Aussie words
Test yourself with the slang quiz