the (odds|cards) [are] stacked against {sb}

used to denote that someone has little chance of success in a given situation

The idiom "the odds are stacked against someone" or "the cards are stacked against someone" draws from the world of gambling, where the chances of winning or losing can be influenced by the way cards or dice are arranged or manipulated. In a figurative sense, it describes a situation where someone faces significant obstacles, challenges, or unfavorable circumstances that make their success or victory unlikely.

I maintain that the defense actually played pretty well in the Super Bowl, especially when you consider how things were stacked against them.
With their team's star player injured, the odds are stacked against them in the upcoming championship game.
Starting a small business in a recession can be tough; the cards are often stacked against entrepreneurs in such situations.
Despite their talent, the artist faced many obstacles, and it often seemed like the odds were stacked against their success.
Being the underdog in the competition, they knew the odds were stacked against them, but they were determined to give their best effort.