in wagering sense, found first in Shakespeare ("2 Henry IV," 1597), probably from earlier sense of "amount by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another" (1540s), from odd (q.v.), though the sense evolution is uncertain. Until 19c. treated as a singular, though obviously a plural (compare news).
例文
1. He sweeps up and does a few odds and ends.
彼は畑を掃除して、またいくつかの雑な仕事をした。
2.Global ecological efforts can easily be at odds with local ecologies.
世界的な生態系保護作業は地方の生態系と矛盾する可能性が高い。
3.He reckoned the odds are against the scheme going ahead.
現在この計画を実施する見込みは薄いと考えている。
4.She put in some clothes, odds and ends,and make-up.
彼女は服や化粧品、こまごましたものを入れた。
5.Finally,late in life and against considerable odds ,she became a nun.