Luck
A blessing in disguise
Meaning
An apparent misfortune that works to the eventual benefit of the recipient.
Examples
Breaking my arm was a blessing in disguise. I married the nurse.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Widely used.
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A toss up
Meaning
1. The flip of a coin to decide on something. 2. A result, usually between two courses of action, which is uncertain and could go either way.
Examples
1. Before the game we tossed up to decide which direction we would be playing. 2. Who will win the Premiership this year? It looks pretty even. I’d say it’s a toss up.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom. An allusion to tossing a coin to decide an outcome.
Where is it used?
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Ace in the hole
Meaning
A saved, hidden advantage that can supply a victory when revealed.
Examples
Pete Townshend thought ’I can see for miles’ was a sure-fire hit and he saved it, as an ace in the hole, until he needed to boost the group’s success.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Used worldwide, but not commonly so.
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Close but no cigar
Meaning
Very near to success but falling short.
Examples
Ten hits in a row gets you a prize. Nine for you Jack. Sorry – close but no cigar.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
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Cross your fingers
Meaning
To hope that something happens.
Examples
Cross your fingers – I’ve put £500 in number 29.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century.
Where is it used?
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Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning
Don’t count on receiving some benefit until you actually have it.
Examples
I know you felt good about that exam, but you haven’t passed until you get the result – don’t count your chickens.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century proverb.
Where is it used?
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Down to the wire
Meaning
Not decided until the very last minute.
Examples
Jonny Wilkinson’s last minute score in the world cup gave England the win. It went right down to the wire.
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Go out on a limb
Meaning
Take a risk to support someone or something.
Examples
He knew his boss was an army man, so saying that he was against the war was really going out on a limb.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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It's a small world
Meaning
Said when people meet unexpectedly, away from their usual haunts.
Examples
I went to New York and the first person I met was the guy from next door. it’s a small world alright.
Where did it originate?
Britain, in an 1873 novel by G. Chesney.
Where is it used?
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Knock on wood
Meaning
Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid bad luck or to continue having good luck.
Examples
I have never broken a bone – touch wood.
Where did it originate?
USA, early 20th century. Other variants, like ‘touch wood’ are earlier.
Where is it used?
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On a wing and a prayer
Meaning
In a difficult situation and reliant on luck to get out of it.
Examples
Jean was out on her feet after two miles. She was on a wing and a prayer to get to the end of the marathon.
Where did it originate?
USA. From a 1940s film script.
Where is it used?
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Once in a blue moon
Meaning
A rare occurrence.
Examples
West Bromwich Albion have won the cup. but only every once in a blue moon.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Out of the blue
Meaning
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
Examples
We were sunbathing and then it just started to hail. It was literally out of the blue.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century (as ‘a bolt from the blue’).
Where is it used?
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Straight from the horses mouth
Meaning
Heard from the authoritative source.
Examples
There’s going to be an election in May. My sister is the Prime Ministers secretary so I got that straight from the horses mouth.
Where did it originate?
Uncertain origin, probably 20th century USA.
Where is it used?
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Stranger things have happened
Meaning
Said when the feasibility of some unlikely event is questioned.
Examples
Jamie says he just saw a chimp waiting at the bus stop. I don’t really believe him, but then, stranger things have happened.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Third time lucky
Meaning
Said when trying something for the third time.
Examples
Two divorces and now I’m engaged again. Let’s hope it’s third time lucky.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?
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Third times a charm
Meaning
The third try is often successful.
Examples
Have you noticed that, in TV dramas, when the police try a lock with a set of keys it’s always the third that works. They must think third times a charm.
Where did it originate?
Originated in Ireland in the 1830s and was later adopted in American speech.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.
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Unlucky in love
Meaning
Having been unable to find a long-term romantic partner.
Examples
Jane’s so unlucky in love. That’s the third time she’s been engaged only to have it broken off.
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Your guess is as good as mine
Meaning
I have no idea.
Examples
Who will win the Grand National this year? Your guess is as good as mine.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Your number is up
Meaning
It is now your turn. For instance, if 1. You are about to die. or 2. You have won a lottery.
Examples
1. When I heard the bombers screaming towards us I was sure my number was up. 2. Who has ticket number 374? Come on down and collect your prize – your number is up.
Where is it used?
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