Sometimes people say special phrases to wish someone good luck. These phrases are called idioms. They don’t always mean what the words say. For example, “break a leg” doesn’t mean to really get hurt. It means “good luck.” People use these sayings in school, at games, or before a test.
Learning good luck idioms can be fun and helpful. You might hear them on TV or from family and friends. When you know what they mean, it’s easier to understand others. In this article, we will look at some good luck idioms and how they are used.
Idioms about Good Luck
1. Break a leg
Meaning: Wish someone good luck, especially before a show or performance.
To Provide an Example: “You have a dance show today? Break a leg!”
Alternative Meaning: “Before Jake played his guitar on stage, his mom said, ‘Break a leg!’” / “Coach told the team, ‘Break a leg out there!’ before the game.”
2. Knock on wood
Meaning: Say this to keep your good luck going.
To Provide an Example: “I haven’t been sick all year knock on wood.”
Alternative Meaning: “Ben said, ‘Knock on wood!’ after talking about his lucky grades.” / “Knock on wood, the weather stays nice for our trip.”
3. Fingers crossed
Meaning: Hope for good luck or a good result.
To Provide an Example: “Fingers crossed I pass my spelling test.”
Alternative Meaning: “Emma said, ‘Fingers crossed,’ before the school play.” / “We crossed our fingers while waiting for the raffle results.”
4. Luck of the draw
Meaning: It’s just random luck, like pulling a card.
To Provide an Example: “I got the last cookie it was the luck of the draw.”
Alternative Meaning: “The teacher picked names, and I got to go first just luck of the draw.” / “Getting a front-row seat was luck of the draw.”
5. Lucky duck
Meaning: A person who is very lucky.
To Provide an Example: “You got two toys in your cereal box? You’re a lucky duck!”
Alternative Meaning: “Lily found a dollar on the ground what a lucky duck.” / “Dad said I was a lucky duck for getting extra pizza.”
6. Born under a lucky star
Meaning: Someone who always seems to have good luck.
To Provide an Example: “Sam wins every game. He must be born under a lucky star.”
Alternative Meaning: “Emma finds good parking spots all the time. She’s lucky like that.” / “Tom always guesses right he’s born under a lucky star.”
7. Hit the jackpot
Meaning: Get something really good by luck.
To Provide an Example: “I hit the jackpot when Grandma gave me two gifts.”
Alternative Meaning: “We hit the jackpot with perfect weather on field day.” / “Finding your favorite toy on sale is hitting the jackpot.”
8. On a roll
Meaning: When good things keep happening.
To Provide an Example: “I won three games in a row I’m on a roll!”
Alternative Meaning: “Jess got three A’s this week. She’s on a roll.” / “Mom said I was on a roll after I cleaned my room and got a gold star.”
9. A stroke of luck
Meaning: A sudden good thing happens.
To Provide an Example: “We found the missing keys what a stroke of luck!”
Alternative Meaning: “It was a stroke of luck that the ice cream truck came after dinner.” / “Finding your lost toy in the yard is a stroke of luck.”
10. Like finding a needle in a haystack
Meaning: Very hard to find, but lucky when you do.
To Provide an Example: “I found my Lego piece like a needle in a haystack!”
Alternative Meaning: “Dad found his lost sock. That was lucky!” / “Finding one red jellybean in the jar is like a needle in a haystack.”
11. Right place, right time
Meaning: Being somewhere lucky when something good happens.
To Provide an Example: “I walked by just when they were giving out free snacks.”
Alternative Meaning: “We got to the park and saw a free show right place, right time.” / “Jamie got the last cookie because he was there at the right time.”
12. Counting your lucky stars
Meaning: Being thankful for good luck.
To Provide an Example: “Count your lucky stars you didn’t miss the bus.”
Alternative Meaning: “Mom said I should count my lucky stars for staying dry in the rain.” / “I counted my lucky stars when I didn’t trip on stage.”
13. Lady Luck is smiling
Meaning: Luck is on your side.
To Provide an Example: “Lady Luck smiled on me I found $5.”
Alternative Meaning: “Lady Luck helped me win the guessing game.” / “I think Lady Luck was smiling when I got extra recess.”
14. Blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that looks bad at first but turns out lucky.
To Provide an Example: “Missing the bus was a blessing in disguise it broke down later.”
Alternative Meaning: “I forgot my lunch, but my friend shared it was lucky in the end.” / “Being home sick meant I didn’t have to take the pop quiz.”
15. Riding your luck
Meaning: Keep having good luck again and again.
To Provide an Example: “He kept winning at the arcade. He was riding his luck.”
Alternative Meaning: “I kept guessing right. I was riding my luck.” / “Dad said not to ride my luck too long when I skipped chores.”
16. Lucked out
Meaning: Got lucky in a situation.
To Provide an Example: “We lucked out and found a parking spot right up front.”
Alternative Meaning: “I lucked out and got an A on the quiz I forgot to study for.” / “We lucked out when the rain stopped before the picnic.”
17. Cross that bridge when you come to it
Meaning: Don’t worry now. Handle it if it happens.
To Provide an Example: “What if I forget my lines?” “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Alternative Meaning: “No need to worry yet. Let’s wait and see.” / “Let’s not stress about tomorrow’s test until it gets here.”
18. Just my luck
Meaning: Used when something unlucky happens (can be funny).
To Provide an Example: “Just my luck it rained after I washed my bike.”
Alternative Meaning: “I dropped my sandwich. Just my luck.” / “Just my luck my shoelace broke right before the race.”
19. Luck is in the air
Meaning: Feeling like something good is coming.
To Provide an Example: “Everyone is smiling today. Luck is in the air.”
Alternative Meaning: “It feels like a lucky day at school.” / “Even the sun came out luck is in the air.”
20. Luck be a lady
Meaning: Hoping for good luck.
To Provide an Example: “Luck be a lady let this pie turn out great.”
Alternative Meaning: “Before the drawing, I whispered, ‘Luck be a lady.’” / “Mom said ‘luck be a lady’ before her big meeting.”
21. Pot of gold
Meaning: A big reward or good fortune.
To Provide an Example: “Winning the contest felt like finding a pot of gold.”
Alternative Meaning: “Grandpa said the best prize is time with family it’s his pot of gold.” / “Getting extra recess is like a pot of gold to us.”
22. Good things come in threes
Meaning: Lucky things often happen in sets of three.
To Provide an Example: “I got a toy, ice cream, and a hug good things come in threes!”
Alternative Meaning: “We won three games today good things come in threes.” / “Three friends came to play. It must be lucky!”
23. Catch a lucky break
Meaning: When something good happens out of nowhere.
To Provide an Example: “We caught a lucky break when the test was moved to next week.”
Alternative Meaning: “The sun came out just in time a lucky break!” / “Our team caught a lucky break when the other team ran out of time.”
24. Star-crossed (in a lucky way)
Meaning: Being lucky because of fate or chance.
To Provide an Example: “We found the same toy at the same time must be star-crossed.”
Alternative Meaning: “Star-crossed friends met in line for the same class.” / “Finding your best friend in a new school is star-crossed luck.”
25. Green thumb
Meaning: Good luck with growing plants.
To Provide an Example: “Mom has a green thumb her flowers always bloom.”
Alternative Meaning: “Ben’s green thumb helped our class garden grow.” / “Having a green thumb means your plants love you back.”
26. Silver lining
Meaning: A good part in something bad.
To Provide an Example: “The game was canceled, but the silver lining was extra playtime.”
Alternative Meaning: “The picnic moved inside, but we still had fun that’s the silver lining.” / “Even though it rained, the silver lining was popcorn and a movie.”
27. Roll the dice
Meaning: Take a chance and hope for good luck.
To Provide an Example: “I rolled the dice and joined the art contest.”
Alternative Meaning: “He rolled the dice and asked to sing solo.” / “She rolled the dice on a new hairstyle and loved it.”
28. As lucky as a four-leaf clover
Meaning: Very lucky.
To Provide an Example: “I found a quarter lucky as a four-leaf clover!”
Alternative Meaning: “Getting an A without studying? That’s super lucky.” / “Grandpa says I’m as lucky as a clover when I win games.”
29. All the stars aligned
Meaning: Everything went right at the same time.
To Provide an Example: “I found my shoe, caught the bus, and saw a rainbow stars aligned!”
Alternative Meaning: “The stars aligned for a perfect field trip day.” / “All the stars aligned when Dad made pancakes and cartoons were on.”
30. Rabbit’s foot
Meaning: A charm people carry for good luck.
To Provide an Example: “My cousin keeps a rabbit’s foot on his keychain for good luck.”
Alternative Meaning: “Some people think a rabbit’s foot helps during tests.” / “Before the game, she held her rabbit’s foot and smiled.”
31. Lucky penny
Meaning: A coin that brings good luck.
To Provide an Example: “I picked up a penny heads up, lucky day!”
Alternative Meaning: “Grandma gave me a lucky penny for my pocket.” / “Finding a shiny penny made me smile it’s good luck.”
32. Horseshoe luck
Meaning: A horseshoe is thought to bring good luck.
To Provide an Example: “We hung a horseshoe on the door for luck.”
Alternative Meaning: “Uncle Joe said his horseshoe necklace helped him win a prize.” / “Horseshoes can’t run, but they can bring luck!”
33. Black cat (lucky version)
Meaning: In some places, seeing a black cat brings luck.
To Provide an Example: “A black cat walked by and I found a toy lucky me!”
Alternative Meaning: “We saw a black cat and had a fun day at the fair.” / “Some say black cats are lucky if they like you.”
34. Find a feather
Meaning: Some believe finding a feather brings good luck.
To Provide an Example: “I found a feather and got a sticker from the teacher.”
Alternative Meaning: “Look! A feather on your shoe that’s lucky.” / “Finding a feather on the ground can mean good things.”
35. Beginner’s luck
Meaning: Doing something well the first time.
To Provide an Example: “She won her first board game must be beginner’s luck!”
Alternative Meaning: “I hit a home run the first time I played.” / “Even Dad said beginner’s luck helped me win bowling.”
36. Wish upon a star
Meaning: Make a wish and hope for luck.
To Provide an Example: “I wished upon a star for a puppy.”
Alternative Meaning: “Emma wished upon a star and got her dream toy.” / “I look up at stars and wish for good dreams.”
37. Got the magic touch
Meaning: Everything you do goes right.
To Provide an Example: “You keep winning got the magic touch today!”
Alternative Meaning: “Mom made the cake perfect again. She has the magic touch.”
“Some people just touch things and they work better!”
38. Lucky charm
Meaning: An object or person that brings luck.
To Provide an Example: “I always wear my lucky charm bracelet during tests.”
Alternative Meaning: “Dad’s cap is his lucky charm during football games.” / “My sister says I’m her lucky charm when she plays.”
39. A dream come true
Meaning: Something great happens that you wished for.
To Provide an Example: “Going to Disney World was a dream come true.”
Alternative Meaning: “I met my favorite player it felt like a dream come true.” / “Getting a puppy on my birthday was a dream come true.”
40. Get lucky
Meaning: Something good happens by chance.
To Provide an Example: “We got lucky and found seats in the front row.”
Alternative Meaning: “He got lucky and picked the winning number.” / “I got lucky and picked the cookie with extra frosting.”
41. Right under your nose
Meaning: You find something that was there all along.
To Provide an Example: “The toy was right under my nose the whole time.”
Alternative Meaning: “My missing book was on my chair. Lucky find!” / “Sometimes luck hides in plain sight.”
42. Find your lucky number
Meaning: A number that feels lucky for you.
To Provide an Example: “Seven is my lucky number I always win with it.”
Alternative Meaning: “I picked my lucky number and got called to the front.” / “Some kids have a lucky number on their jersey.”
43. Look of the Irish
Meaning: A phrase used to wish good luck, often with a smile.
To Provide an Example: “He wore green and had the luck of the Irish all day.”
Alternative Meaning: “She found candy in her lunch must be Irish luck.” / “Grandma says the Irish have fun and lucky hearts.”
44. Fortune smiles
Meaning: Luck is being kind today.
To Provide an Example: “Fortune smiled when we found a shortcut to school.”
Alternative Meaning: “The game got rained out, but we had pizza thanks, fortune!” / “Fortune smiles when everything feels right.”
45. Lady Luck knocked
Meaning: A fun way to say luck showed up.
To Provide an Example: “Lady Luck knocked I won the prize basket!”
Alternative Meaning: “She showed up late but still got in. Lucky timing!” / “When Lady Luck knocks, good things walk in.”
46. Find a lucky streak
Meaning: A time when many lucky things happen.
To Provide an Example: “You’re on a lucky streak keep it up!”
Alternative Meaning: “That lucky streak won’t last forever, but enjoy it now.” / “A lucky streak can feel like magic days in a row.”
47. Penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Ask what someone is thinking, sometimes for luck.
To Provide an Example: “You’re quiet penny for your thoughts?”
Alternative Meaning: “She gave me a penny and said it brings luck if I share.” / “Talking about your thoughts can bring lucky ideas.”
48. A fair wind
Meaning: A wish for smooth, lucky travels.
To Provide an Example: “Have a fair wind on your trip to grandma’s.”
Alternative Meaning: “We left early and made it on time fair wind indeed.” / “Wishing someone a fair wind means a happy road.”
49. Throw salt over your shoulder
Meaning: Some say this brings luck if you drop salt.
To Provide an Example: “I spilled salt, so I threw some over my shoulder for luck.”
Alternative Meaning: “My sister said tossing salt keeps bad luck away.” / “It’s a silly trick, but some believe it helps.”
50. Under a lucky moon
Meaning: A night when things go really well.
To Provide an Example: “We had fun, ate ice cream, and saw fireworks must be a lucky moon.”
Alternative Meaning: “She made a wish under the lucky moon.” / “A lucky moon makes the night feel magical.”
Trials for Success: Idioms about Good Luck
- Before I went on stage for the school play, my teacher told me to __________.
- I found a penny on the sidewalk and picked it up because it’s a __________.
- My sister got two prizes at the fair what a __________!
- I said __________ that it wouldn’t rain during our field trip.
- We got the last spot in the parking lot talk about __________.
- I spilled the salt, so I threw some over my shoulder for __________.
- I got the last slice of pizza by __________.
- Dad said, “__________!” when I told him I haven’t been sick all year.
- My cousin wins every game he’s such a __________.
- I was in the __________ when I won the guessing game and the raffle.
- After getting picked for lunch helper and winning a sticker, Mom said I was __________.
- I wished upon a __________ for a bike, and I got one on my birthday.
- The teacher pulled my name out of a jar it was just the __________.
- We missed the bus, but it was a __________ because it was super crowded.
- Our team kept winning all day. Coach said we were __________.
Answer
- break a leg
- lucky penny
- stroke of luck
- fingers crossed
- lucked out
- good luck
- luck of the draw
- knock on wood
- lucky duck
- right place, right time
- on a roll
- star
- luck of the draw
- blessing in disguise
- on a lucky streak
Conclusion
Good luck idioms are fun and easy to remember. People use them to wish others well or to talk about lucky moments. You might hear them at school, at home, or even on TV.
Now that you know what they mean, try using a few with your friends or family. These little sayings can bring smiles and maybe a bit of luck too.
