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.

Hear the idiom spoken

More idioms about

How the idiom originated

Browse more Idioms

About the Author

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.

Third times a charm