When learning English, idioms are one of the most fascinating parts of the language. An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a meaning different from the literal words used. These colorful expressions add charm, humor, and creativity to everyday conversations.
Among the many categories of idioms, those about good luck are especially popular. Why? Because luck is something people all around the world hope for—whether it’s before an exam, a job interview, a sports match, or even just daily challenges.
Using idioms about good luck not only makes your speech sound more natural, but it also helps you connect with native speakers.
Instead of simply saying “good luck,” you can choose from a variety of phrases that express the same sentiment in fun and memorable ways. In this guide, we’ll explore idioms that wish good fortune, celebrate lucky situations, and describe people blessed with luck.
Did You Know?
The phrase “knock on wood” comes from an old belief that spirits lived inside trees. People would touch or knock on wood to ward off bad luck and keep good fortune on their side. Today, it’s still one of the most common idioms about luck used worldwide.
Idioms That Wish Someone Good Luck
These idioms are often used before important events like exams, performances, or interviews.
Break a leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Sentence Example: “You’ve practiced so much for the play—break a leg tonight!”
Alternative Idiom: Best of luck.
Note: Common in theater and performing arts, but also casually in everyday conversation.
Knock on wood
Meaning: Said to prevent bad luck after mentioning something positive.
Sentence Example: “I’ve never been sick this year, knock on wood.”
Alternative Idiom: Touch wood.
Note: Used in both formal and informal settings.
Cross your fingers
Meaning: Hoping for a good result.
Sentence Example: “I’m crossing my fingers for you to pass your driving test.”
Alternative Idiom: Hope for the best.
Note: Widely used in daily speech.
Fortune favors the brave
Meaning: Taking risks often brings success.
Sentence Example: “Go ahead and start your business. Remember, fortune favors the brave.”
Alternative Idiom: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Note: Common in motivational and professional contexts.
Best of British luck
Meaning: A cheerful way to say good luck.
Sentence Example: “You’ve got this—best of British luck with the competition.”
Alternative Idiom: All the best.
Note: Mostly British English, informal and friendly.
Blow them away
Meaning: Impress someone greatly.
Sentence Example: “Your presentation is so strong, you’ll blow them away!”
Alternative Idiom: Steal the show.
Note: Casual, mostly used before performances or presentations.
Idioms That Describe Being Lucky
These idioms focus on situations where someone benefits from good fortune.
Luck of the draw
Meaning: Success or failure depends on chance.
Sentence Example: “Getting a good teacher is just the luck of the draw.”
Alternative Idiom: Pure luck.
Note: Informal, often used in conversations about random outcomes.
On a winning streak
Meaning: Experiencing continuous good luck.
Sentence Example: “He’s been on a winning streak with his investments lately.”
Alternative Idiom: Hot streak.
Note: Common in sports, business, or gambling contexts.
Beginner’s luck
Meaning: Success at something the first time you try it.
Sentence Example: “She won her first game of chess—must be beginner’s luck.”
Alternative Idiom: First-time charm.
Note: Very common in casual conversations.
Stroke of luck
Meaning: A sudden piece of good fortune.
Sentence Example: “Finding that old photo was a real stroke of luck.”
Alternative Idiom: Lucky break.
Note: Neutral, used in both formal and informal English.
The stars aligned
Meaning: Everything happened perfectly by chance.
Sentence Example: “It was like the stars aligned when I met my mentor.”
Alternative Idiom: Perfect timing.
Note: Slightly poetic, used in both casual and emotional contexts.
As luck would have it
Meaning: Something happened by chance, often fortunately.
Sentence Example: “As luck would have it, the train was delayed, so I didn’t miss it.”
Alternative Idiom: By chance.
Note: More formal, often used in storytelling.
Just my luck
Meaning: Used ironically to complain about bad luck.
Sentence Example: “It started raining right after I washed my car—just my luck!”
Alternative Idiom: Typical.
Note: Common in informal daily speech.
Born under a lucky star
Meaning: A person who seems to have lifelong good fortune.
Sentence Example: “He always gets what he wants—born under a lucky star.”
Alternative Idiom: Blessed with luck.
Note: Slightly old-fashioned, but still understood.
Idioms for Wishing Success in Challenges
Win hands down
Meaning: To succeed easily.
Sentence Example: “She’ll win the competition hands down.”
Alternative Idiom: Clear victory.
Note: Often used in sports or competitions.
The ball is in your court
Meaning: It’s your turn to take action.
Sentence Example: “I’ve done all I can, now the ball is in your court.”
Alternative Idiom: Up to you.
Note: Neutral tone, common in business.
To have the Midas touch
Meaning: Everything someone does turns successful.
Sentence Example: “That entrepreneur has the Midas touch—every business he starts grows.”
Alternative Idiom: Golden touch.
Note: Common in business and financial contexts.
Lady Luck is smiling
Meaning: Fortune is in your favor.
Sentence Example: “Lady Luck is smiling—you found a parking spot right in front.”
Alternative Idiom: Luck is on your side.
Note: Informal, playful.
Hit the jackpot
Meaning: Win a big reward, often by chance.
Sentence Example: “She hit the jackpot with her new job—it’s perfect for her.”
Alternative Idiom: Big win.
Note: Originally gambling-related, now common in casual use.
To have all the luck
Meaning: Someone always benefits from luck.
Sentence Example: “He won another prize—he seems to have all the luck!”
Alternative Idiom: Luck always follows him.
Note: Often used with envy or amazement.
Idioms That Bring Positive Vibes
Third time’s the charm
Meaning: Success often comes after two failures.
Sentence Example: “I didn’t pass my exam the first two times, but third time’s the charm.”
Alternative Idiom: Try again.
Note: Friendly and informal.
Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets lucky at some point.
Sentence Example: “Don’t worry, every dog has its day—you’ll succeed soon.”
Alternative Idiom: Patience pays off.
Note: Common in motivational speech.
A lucky break
Meaning: An unexpected opportunity.
Sentence Example: “Getting that internship was a lucky break for her.”
Alternative Idiom: Golden chance.
Note: Neutral, used in professional contexts too.
Pot of gold
Meaning: A big reward or success.
Sentence Example: “He’s chasing the pot of gold with his new invention.”
Alternative Idiom: Treasure at the end.
Note: Often metaphorical, inspiring.
Luck is on your side
Meaning: Things are going well for you.
Sentence Example: “Luck is on your side—you got the last ticket.”
Alternative Idiom: Fortune smiles on you.
Note: Informal, supportive.
Roll the dice
Meaning: Take a chance, not knowing the result.
Sentence Example: “Starting your own company is like rolling the dice.”
Alternative Idiom: Take a gamble.
Note: Informal, often used in risk-related contexts.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- Speaking: Use them to wish friends good luck, share experiences, or tell stories. For example, instead of saying “I was very lucky,” say, “It was a stroke of luck.”
- Writing: In essays, blogs, or professional emails, idioms can make your writing richer. Just make sure the idiom matches the tone.
- Professional use: Motivational speeches, presentations, and even business meetings can benefit from idioms like “fortune favors the brave” or “the ball is in your court.”
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong usage:
❌ “She broke a leg in her exam.”
✅ “She did so well in her exam—break a leg really worked!” - Mixing idioms:
❌ “Cross your wood.”
✅ “Cross your fingers” or “Knock on wood.” - Overuse: Using too many idioms in one sentence can sound unnatural.
✅ Use them sparingly, like a spice in cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can idioms about luck be used in formal writing?
Yes, but choose carefully. Idioms like “stroke of luck” or “as luck would have it” fit better than casual ones like “blow them away.”
2. Are idioms the same in British and American English?
Many are shared, but some differ. For example, “best of British luck” is mostly used in the UK.
3. Do idioms always mean good luck literally?
Not always. Some idioms about luck are ironic, like “just my luck.”
4. How can I remember idioms better?
Practice by using them in real-life conversations and writing. Associating them with personal experiences helps too.
5. Should learners avoid idioms if unsure?
Yes, it’s better to use simple language than misuse idioms. With practice, you’ll gain confidence.
Conclusion
Idioms about good luck bring positivity, charm, and creativity to the English language. They allow you to encourage others, describe fortunate moments, and make your speech more natural.
Whether it’s “break a leg” before a performance, “a stroke of luck” in daily life, or “fortune favors the brave” in motivational settings, these idioms add depth and expression.
So, start sprinkling them into your conversations and writing—you may just find that luck is always on your side when it comes to learning English!
