English Phrases for Good and Bad Luck
Life, as we all know, is a rollercoaster. One minute you’re soaring high on a stroke of good fortune, the next you’re navigating a patch of unexpected bad luck. In the English language, we have a rich tapestry of phrases to describe these twists and turns, often steeped in superstition and history.
🟢 Phrases for Good Luck
- Break a leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck (especially before a performance).
Example: You’re going on stage? Break a leg!
- Fingers crossed
Meaning: Hoping for a good result.
Example: I have a job interview tomorrow—fingers crossed!
- Knock on wood / Touch wood
Meaning: Said to avoid bad luck after mentioning good fortune.
Example: I’ve never been in a car accident, knock on wood.
- Lucky break
Meaning: A sudden, unexpected good opportunity.
Example: Getting that internship was a real lucky break for her.
- On a lucky streak
Meaning: Experiencing continuous good luck.
Example: He’s won three games in a row—he’s on a lucky streak!
- Luck of the draw
Meaning: Pure chance; a result of luck.
Example: I got front-row seats—it was just the luck of the draw.
- Beginner’s luck
Meaning: Success when trying something for the first time.
Example: She beat all of us at chess—must be beginner’s luck!
- As luck would have it
Meaning: By chance, often implying good fortune.
Example: As luck would have it, I found my keys in my coat pocket.
- The stars aligned
Meaning: Everything worked out perfectly.
Example: Everything went right on our trip—it was like the stars aligned.
- Born under a lucky star
Meaning: Naturally fortunate.
Example: He always gets out of trouble—must’ve been born under a lucky star.
- A stroke of luck
Meaning: A sudden and unexpected piece of good luck.
Example: Finding that wallet on the street was a real stroke of luck.
- To be in luck
Meaning: To be fortunate at a particular moment.
Example: You’re in luck—we have one ticket left!
- To have a lucky break
Meaning: To experience a fortunate opportunity or event.
Example: He got his big break when he met a producer at the coffee shop.
- To land on your feet
Meaning: To recover well after a setback; to end up in a good situation after difficulties.
Example: Even after being laid off, she landed on her feet with a better job.
- To have the luck of the Irish
Meaning: To be extremely lucky or fortunate (often humorously).
Example: He won the lottery again—he really has the luck of the Irish!
- To be born under a lucky star
Meaning: To be naturally lucky or fortunate in life.
Example: She always finds parking spots right outside—she must be born under a lucky star.
- All the best! / Best of luck!
Meaning: Expressions used to wish someone good fortune in something.
Example: You’ve worked so hard on this—best of luck with the presentation!
đź”´ Phrases for Bad Luck
- Bad luck / Tough luck
Meaning: An expression of sympathy for someone’s misfortune.
Example: You missed the bus again? Tough luck.
- Murphy’s Law
Meaning: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Example: The power went out just before the exam—Murphy’s Law!
- Down on your luck
Meaning: Going through a period of bad fortune.
Example: He’s been down on his luck since losing his job.
- Out of luck
Meaning: Unsuccessful or unlucky.
Example: Sorry, we’re out of tickets—you’re out of luck.
- A run of bad luck
Meaning: A series of unfortunate events.
Example: They’ve had a run of bad luck with their business lately.
- No such luck
Meaning: Used when something hoped for didn’t happen.
Example: Did you get the promotion? No such luck.
- Jinxed
Meaning: Seemingly cursed with bad luck.
Example: “This project is jinxed—everything keeps going wrong!”
- Third time unlucky
Meaning: A twist on the expression “third time lucky”; when the third attempt fails.
Example: He tried three times to pass the exam—third time unlucky.
- Tempt fate / Tempt the gods
Meaning: Do something risky that could lead to bad luck.
Example: Don’t say it can’t get worse—you’ll tempt fate.
- Like a black cat crossing your path
Meaning: Symbolically considered a sign of bad luck.
Example: I forgot my wallet and a black cat crossed my path—bad day already!
- Hard luck!
Meaning: An expression of sympathy after something unfortunate happens.
Example: You didn’t make the final team? Hard luck, mate.
- That’s tough luck!
Meaning: Another way to express sympathy or mild pity (can also be used sarcastically).
Example: You missed the last train? That’s tough luck!
- To be out of luck
Meaning: To not have any luck, especially when hoping for something.
Example: Sorry, we’re sold out. You’re out of luck today.
- To have a jinx on you
Meaning: To seem cursed or plagued by continuous bad luck.
Example: Every time I try to cook, something goes wrong—I think there’s a jinx on me!
- To tempt fate
Meaning: To do something risky or careless that could bring bad luck.
Example: I wouldn’t joke about your boss like that—you’re tempting fate.
- Bad things come in threes
Meaning: A common belief that misfortunes tend to happen in sets of three.
Example: First my car broke down, then I lost my phone, and now this? Bad things really do come in threes.
- To spill the beans
Meaning: To accidentally reveal a secret, often bringing unintended trouble.
Example: He spilled the beans about the surprise party—it’s ruined now!
- To break a mirror
Meaning: Said to bring seven years of bad luck, according to superstition.
Example: I accidentally broke a mirror this morning—I hope that’s not a bad omen.
Idioms and Phrases Quiz
These phrases offer a fascinating glimpse into our human desire to understand and influence the unpredictable nature of life. They reflect ancient beliefs, superstitions, and even theatrical traditions. Whether you’re a firm believer in luck or simply enjoy the colorful language, these English phrases provide a way to articulate the highs and lows of fortune and connect with others through shared experiences.
