Luck


An apparent misfortune that works to the eventual benefit of the recipient.

Breaking my arm was a blessing in disguise. I married the nurse.

The United Kingdom.

Widely used.


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.

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.

The United Kingdom. An allusion to tossing a coin to decide an outcome.

Worldwide.


A saved, hidden advantage that can supply a victory when revealed.

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.

USA.

Used worldwide, but not commonly so.


Very near to success but falling short.

Ten hits in a row gets you a prize. Nine for you Jack. Sorry – close but no cigar.

USA, mid-20th century.

Worldwide.


To hope that something happens.

Cross your fingers – I’ve put £500 in number 29.

Britain, 18th century.

Worldwide.


Don’t count on receiving some benefit until you actually have it.

I know you felt good about that exam, but you haven’t passed until you get the result – don’t count your chickens.

Britain, 16th century proverb.

Worldwide.


Not decided until the very last minute.

Jonny Wilkinson’s last minute score in the world cup gave England the win. It went right down to the wire.


Take a risk to support someone or something.

He knew his boss was an army man, so saying that he was against the war was really going out on a limb.

USA, 19th century.

Worldwide.


Said when people meet unexpectedly, away from their usual haunts.

I went to New York and the first person I met was the guy from next door. it’s a small world alright.

Britain, in an 1873 novel by G. Chesney.

Worldwide.


Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid bad luck or to continue having good luck.

I have never broken a bone – touch wood.

USA, early 20th century. Other variants, like ‘touch wood’ are earlier.

Worldwide.


In a difficult situation and reliant on luck to get out of it.

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.

USA. From a 1940s film script.

Worldwide.


A rare occurrence.

West Bromwich Albion have won the cup. but only every once in a blue moon.

Britain, 19th century.

Worldwide.


Suddenly and unexpectedly.

We were sunbathing and then it just started to hail. It was literally out of the blue.

Britain, 19th century (as ‘a bolt from the blue’).

Worldwide.


Heard from the authoritative source.

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.

Uncertain origin, probably 20th century USA.

Worldwide.


Said when the feasibility of some unlikely event is questioned.

Jamie says he just saw a chimp waiting at the bus stop. I don’t really believe him, but then, stranger things have happened.

Mostly Britain.


Said when trying something for the third time.

Two divorces and now I’m engaged again. Let’s hope it’s third time lucky.

Britain, 19th century.

Worldwide.


The third try is often successful.

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.

Originated in Ireland in the 1830s and was later adopted in American speech.

Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.


Having been unable to find a long-term romantic partner.

Jane’s so unlucky in love. That’s the third time she’s been engaged only to have it broken off.


I have no idea.

Who will win the Grand National this year? Your guess is as good as mine.

Britain, 20th century.

Worldwide.


It is now your turn. For instance, if 1. You are about to die. or 2. You have won a lottery.

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.

1. Britain, early 20th century. 2. Britain, early 19th century.

Worldwide.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.