Good luck plays a big role in American life. Whether it’s a sports game, a school test, or just hoping for a nice day, people often talk about good luck. In the United States, we have many fun and easy-to-remember sayings to wish someone well. These are called idioms. They help us talk about luck in creative ways.
This article will share some common idioms about good luck used in everyday American speech. You’ll see what they mean, how to use them, and some fun facts too. These sayings are often short, but they say a lot. Learning them can help you understand others better and add more color to your own speaking. Let’s take a look at some lucky phrases that people in the USA love to use.
Idioms About Good Luck
1. Break a leg
Meaning: Wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance.
Example Sentence:
• “Break a leg at your school play tonight.”
• “Before my brother’s audition, I told him to break a leg.”
Other ways to say: Good luck, best wishes
Fun Fact/Origin: Actors in the USA say “break a leg” because they believe saying “good luck” out loud brings bad luck.
Usage: Often said before shows, sports games, or big events.
2. Knock on wood
Meaning: Saying or doing something to keep good luck going.
Example Sentence:
• “I haven’t gotten sick all year—knock on wood.”
• “We might win the game, knock on wood.”
Other ways to say: Hope it stays that way, fingers crossed
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from an old belief that spirits lived in trees, and knocking kept them happy.
Usage: Used when someone hopes something good keeps happening.
3. Cross your fingers
Meaning: To hope for something good to happen.
Example Sentence:
• “Cross your fingers we win the prize!”
• “I’m crossing my fingers for sunny weather.”
Other ways to say: Hope so, wish me luck
Fun Fact/Origin: The gesture of crossing fingers is believed to trap good spirits.
Usage: Common in the USA when people are waiting for good news.
4. Luck of the draw
Meaning: Something is decided by chance, not skill.
Example Sentence:
• “I got the last cookie—just the luck of the draw!”
• “My seat in class was luck of the draw.”
Other ways to say: Pure chance, random pick
Fun Fact/Origin: It comes from card games where the outcome depends on what card you draw.
Usage: Used when something happens randomly.
5. With any luck
Meaning: If things go well.
Example Sentence:
• “With any luck, the snow day will be tomorrow.”
• “With any luck, I’ll pass my math test.”
Other ways to say: Hopefully, if we’re lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: This is an American phrase used to talk about hope for the best result.
Usage: Used when someone is wishing for a good outcome.
6. Fingers crossed
Meaning: Hoping for a good result.
Example Sentence:
• “Fingers crossed I get a snow day tomorrow.”
• “I have my fingers crossed for ice cream after school.”
Other ways to say: Hoping hard, keeping hopes up
Fun Fact/Origin: People cross their fingers for luck in the USA.
Usage: Used when someone really hopes something good happens.
7. On a roll
Meaning: Having a stretch of good luck or success.
Example Sentence:
• “She’s on a roll with three wins in a row.”
• “I’m on a roll with vocab words—three A’s in a row!”
Other ways to say: Hot streak, in a groove
Fun Fact/Origin: From rolling dice in games—good results come again and again.
Usage: Said when someone is doing really well for a while.
8. Better luck next time
Meaning: Wishing someone better luck after a loss.
Example Sentence:
• “You didn’t win the race. Better luck next time.”
• “Your team lost today—better luck next time.”
Other ways to say: Try again soon, next time it’ll be better
Fun Fact/Origin: Very common in American schools and sports.
Usage: Said after someone misses success, to encourage them.
9. Pot luck
Meaning: Good fortune by chance; also a meal where everyone brings a dish.
Example Sentence:
• “We’ll share pot luck—everyone brings something.”
• “I got the last slice of pizza—total pot luck.”
Other ways to say: Chance grab, surprise treat
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old times when people ate the “luck” they got in the cooking pot.
Usage: Used at parties or to talk about a lucky find.
10. Roll the dice
Meaning: Take a chance; gamble on an outcome.
Example Sentence:
• “I’ll roll the dice and try the new sport.”
• “Let’s roll the dice and hope it rains on our game.”
Other ways to say: Take a risk, chance it
Fun Fact/Origin: From games with dice in the USA.
Usage: Said when someone is willing to try something uncertain.
11. Born under a lucky star
Meaning: Naturally fortunate.
Example Sentence:
• “He was born under a lucky star—everything goes right.”
• “My sister is born under a lucky star—she never misses the bus.”
Other ways to say: Born lucky, blessed from the start
Fun Fact/Origin: Stars used to mean fate or fortune.
Usage: Said about people who seem to easily get good luck.
12. Beginner’s luck
Meaning: Unusually good luck for someone new at something.
Example Sentence:
• “She won her first game—beginner’s luck!”
• “I aced piano on my first try—beginner’s luck.”
Other ways to say: Rookie miracle, newbie fortune
Fun Fact/Origin: Many Americans notice new players win early by surprise.
Usage: Said when a beginner wins unexpectedly.
13. Make your own luck
Meaning: Create your own good fortune through effort.
Example Sentence:
• “Work hard in class—you make your own luck.”
• “Practice soccer every day—you make your own luck.”
Other ways to say: Earn good fortune, create your chance
Fun Fact/Origin: A modern American idea about effort and success.
Usage: Used to encourage smart work, not waiting for luck.
14. Luck doesn’t run out
Meaning: You can stay lucky for a while.
Example Sentence:
• “You keep winning! Luck doesn’t run out.”
• “We kept finding money on the ground—luck doesn’t run out.”
Other ways to say: Good fortune lasts, still lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: Friendly phrase Americans use when luck holds.
Usage: Said during a long streak of good things.
15. Lucky break
Meaning: A sudden chance at success.
Example Sentence:
• “He got a lucky break and made the team.”
• “My spelling test canceled—what a lucky break!”
Other ways to say: Lucky chance, happy turn
Fun Fact/Origin: “Break” here means change—good things reversed someone’s luck.
Usage: Said when something good happens unexpectedly.
16. Lucky charm
Meaning: Something believed to bring good luck.
Example Sentence:
• “My rabbit’s foot is my lucky charm.”
• “A four‑leaf clover is my lucky charm.”
Other ways to say: Good luck token, lucky item
Fun Fact/Origin: Many Americans carry small charms for school or games.
Usage: Said when talking about personal lucky items.
17. Third time’s the charm
Meaning: Third try will bring success.
Example Sentence:
• “I missed twice, but third time’s the charm.”
• “He lost the first two games—third time’s the charm!”
Other ways to say: Third time lucky, third try works
Fun Fact/Origin: A well‑known saying in American schools and homes.
Usage: Said to cheer someone after two failures.
18. Luck be a lady
Meaning: A hope that luck will stay with you.
Example Sentence:
• “Luck be a lady at the spelling bee.”
• “Luck be a lady for our soccer game.”
Other ways to say: Stay lucky, let luck stick around
Fun Fact/Origin: From an old American song.
Usage: Said in a playful way before contests.
19. Caught a lucky break
Meaning: Unexpectedly got a chance to succeed.
Example Sentence:
• “She caught a lucky break and joined the chorus.”
• “I caught a lucky break when I found money on the ground.”
Other ways to say: Got lucky, stumbled on luck
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American stories and newspapers.
Usage: Said when someone succeeds by a surprise chance.
20. Beaming with good luck
Meaning: Looking very lucky or happy.
Example Sentence:
• “She was beaming with good luck after winning.”
• “He looked beaming with good luck when he got an A.”
Other ways to say: Shining lucky, glowing with luck
Fun Fact/Origin: “Beaming” means shining—so, shining like luck.
Usage: Said when someone seems full of happiness from luck.
21. Safe bet
Meaning: Very likely to succeed.
Example Sentence:
Example Sentence:
• “Practicing is a safe bet for good grades.”
• “Bringing water is a safe bet on a hot day.”
Other ways to say: Sure thing, sure pick
Fun Fact/Origin: From American betting sayings—something that almost always wins.
Usage: Said about things you expect to work out.
22. Toasting to luck
Meaning: Celebrating good fortune.
Example Sentence:
• “We toasted to luck after we finished the project.”
• “They’re toasting to luck before the big game.”
Other ways to say: Celebrate luck, cheer good fortune
Fun Fact/Origin: American families toast at dinners or parties.
Usage: Said when people cheer for good luck.
23. Lucky find
Meaning: Finding something good by chance.
Example Sentence:
• “That book was a lucky find at the library sale.”
• “I found money in my pocket—lucky find!”
Other ways to say: Lucky discover, surprise find
Fun Fact/Origin: Common phrase in American talk about treasures and deals.
Usage: Said when someone finds something nice unexpectedly.
24. Lucky stars aligned
Meaning: Many things came together for good luck.
Example Sentence:
• “My lucky stars aligned and I got into the team.”
• “All my homework got finished—my lucky stars aligned.”
Other ways to say: Everything came together, luck all around
Fun Fact/Origin: From old ideas about stars and fate in the USA.
Usage: Said when many things go right at once.
25. Pure luck
Meaning: No effort, just chance success.
Example Sentence:
• “Winning that game was pure luck.”
• “Finding a dollar was pure luck.”
Other ways to say: Just chance, only luck
Fun Fact/Origin: A clear way Americans say something happened only by chance.
Usage: Said when effort did not matter; success was random.
26. Good fortune smiles on you
Meaning: Luck is with you.
Example Sentence:
• “Good fortune smiles on you today for sure.”
• “You found your book? Good fortune smiles on you.”
Other ways to say: Fortune favors you, luck’s on your side
Fun Fact/Origin: Poetic phrase used in American stories.
Usage: Said when someone has a string of good luck.
27. Lucky outing
Meaning: A trip or event that goes well by luck.
Example Sentence:
• “Our picnic was a lucky outing—no rain and fun games!”
• “The hike turned out as a lucky outing with wildflowers.”
Other ways to say: Chance success, lucky trip
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in the USA when an outing shines by luck.
Usage: Said when an outing becomes great unexpectedly.
28. Rain on your good luck
Meaning: Something spoils your good fortune.
Example Sentence:
• “But then it rained on our good luck picnic.”
• “I got an A, then shark in TV rain on your good luck plans.”
Other ways to say: Spoil luck, ruin chance
Fun Fact/Origin: Americans talk about “raining on the parade.”
Usage: Said when something ruins a lucky streak.
29. Lady Luck
Meaning: Personification of luck.
Example Sentence:
• “Lady Luck smiled on us today.”
• “I felt like Lady Luck had my back at the fair.”
Other ways to say: The luck lady, Lady Chance
Fun Fact/Origin: Americans often call luck “Lady Luck” in games and races.
Usage: Said when fortune feels like a kind presence.
30. Lucky penny
Meaning: A penny believed to bring good luck.
Example Sentence:
• “I found a lucky penny on the sidewalk.”
• “A penny before an exam is my lucky penny.”
Other ways to say: Good‑luck coin, lucky cent
Fun Fact/Origin: Many in the USA pick up pennies for luck.
Usage: Said when people find or carry pennies for good luck.
31. Roll with the punches (kind of opposite, but Americans say it with luck)
Meaning: Adapt when things don’t go your way.
Example Sentence:
• “The game changed, but she rolled with the punches and won.”
• “Plans changed, but we rolled with the punches and had fun.”
Other ways to say: Adapt, go with it
Fun Fact/Origin: From boxing, used widely in USA.
Usage: Said when going with chance and still doing well.
32. March of fortune
Meaning: Steady march toward good luck.
Example Sentence:
• “His march of fortune gave him five goals in a row.”
• “My march of fortune meant A’s on four tests.”
Other ways to say: Luck march, steady good luck
Fun Fact/Origin: Poetry in America, describing success.
Usage: Said when success keeps coming step by step.
33. Fortune’s favorite
Meaning: Someone especially lucky.
Example Sentence:
• “She wins every prize—fortune’s favorite.”
• “He got two field goals—fortune’s favorite today.”
Other ways to say: Star lucky, luck’s darling
Fun Fact/Origin: American phrase from stories.
Usage: Said about very lucky people.
34. Ride the wave of luck
Meaning: Enjoying a streak of good luck.
Example Sentence:
• “She rode the wave of luck and won again.”
• “I rode the wave of luck with my test scores this week.”
Other ways to say: Enjoy luck streak, go with luck flow
Fun Fact/Origin: Surfing words used in American talk.
Usage: Said when luck keeps pushing you forward.
35. To strike it lucky
Meaning: To suddenly get good luck.
Example Sentence:
• “We struck it lucky and found free tickets.”
• “He struck it lucky and got front row seats.”
Other ways to say: Find fortune, hit lucky streak
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American newspapers.
Usage: Said when good luck comes quickly.
36. Luck was in the air
Meaning: There was a strong feeling that something good would happen.
Example Sentence:
• “At the fair, luck was in the air—everyone won prizes.”
• “The day started great, and luck was in the air all morning.”
Other ways to say: Feeling lucky, luck is around
Fun Fact/Origin: Americans often say “love is in the air”—this version talks about luck floating around instead.
Usage: Said when things are going well and people expect more good luck.
37. Hold on to your lucky star
Meaning: Keep hope during bad times.
Example Sentence:
• “Keep studying and hold on to your lucky star.”
• “When things get hard, hold on to your lucky star.”
Other ways to say: Stay hopeful, hang on to hope
Fun Fact/Origin: American saying about hope and luck.
Usage: Said when encouraging someone through challenges.
38. Good luck charm wearing
Meaning: Wearing something for luck.
Example Sentence:
• “She is good luck charm wearing before games.”
• “My lucky socks are my good luck charm wearing.”
Other ways to say: Wearing lucky thing, lucky gear
Fun Fact/Origin: Americans like teams and fans to wear lucky gear.
Usage: Said when people dress for luck.
39. Fluke
Meaning: Luck happening by accident.
Example Sentence:
• “That goal was a fluke!”
• “I guessed the answer—it was a fluke.”
Other ways to say: Accident luck, lucky mistake
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in sports in the USA.
Usage: Said when something unlikely happens by chance.
40. Lucky break came my way
Meaning: Good luck happened unexpectedly.
Example Sentence:
• “A spot opened in class—a lucky break came my way.”
• “They needed one more player—lucky break came my way.”
Other ways to say: Good chance popped up, luck found me
Fun Fact/Origin: Often in American stories about opportunity.
Usage: Said when luck comes unexpectedly.
41. Luck on your side
Meaning: Luck is with you.
Example Sentence:
• “Keep trying—you’ve got luck on your side.”
• “Luck is on your side in tonight’s game.”
Other ways to say: Luck’s with you, luck backing you
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in sports and encouragement in the USA.
Usage: Said to cheer someone.
42. Lucky to be alive
Meaning: You survived by chance.
Example Sentence:
• “After that crash, I feel lucky to be alive.”
• “They escaped the rainstorm—lucky to be alive.”
Other ways to say: Lucky to survive, lucky indeed
Fun Fact/Origin: Often said after close calls in American stories.
Usage: Said when someone escapes danger.
43. Hit the jackpot
Meaning: Get a big reward, usually by chance.
Example Sentence:
• “We hit the jackpot finding free ice cream.”
• “She hit the jackpot with her test grade—100%!”
Other ways to say: Big win, major luck
Fun Fact/Origin: From American slot machines.
Usage: Said when someone gets a big, lucky win.
44. Lucky break came along
Meaning: Good opportunity appeared by chance.
Example Sentence:
• “My favorite job came—lucky break came along.”
• “A tutoring offer showed up—lucky break came along.”
Other ways to say: Chance opportunity, lucky chance
Fun Fact/Origin: Tradition in American talk of opportunity.
Usage: Said when a good chance comes unexpectedly.
45. Luck may shine on you
Meaning: Luck could help you soon.
Example Sentence:
• “Keep studying—luck may shine on you.”
• “Try again tomorrow—luck may shine on you then.”
Other ways to say: Luck might help, luck may come
Fun Fact/Origin: Poetic phrase used in American schools.
Usage: Said to encourage perseverance.
46. Feather in your cap
Meaning: A lucky success to be proud of.
Example Sentence:
• “Getting the A was a feather in your cap.”
• “Winning that race is a feather in your cap.”
Other ways to say: Proud win, success badge
Fun Fact/Origin: Borrowed from old uniform decorations, used in US stories.
Usage: Said when someone achieves something lucky and proud.
47. Touched by luck
Meaning: Slightly lucky in something.
Example Sentence:
• “I was touched by luck and found a snack.”
• “He was touched by luck and still caught the bus.”
Other ways to say: Bit lucky, lightly lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: American phrase meaning just a small touch of luck.
Usage: Said for small lucky events.
48. Lucky go lucky (often confused with “laissez‑faire” but Americans sometimes mix it up)
Meaning: Easy‑going and fortunate.
Example Sentence:
• “She’s lucky‑go‑lucky, and everything works out.”
• “He’s lucky‑go‑lucky—never stressed, always smiling.”
Other ways to say: Calm and lucky, carefree and lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: A casual American phrase.
Usage: Said about people who go with the flow and succeed.
49. Have luck on your side (same as 41 but phrased differently)
Meaning: Luck is supporting you.
Example Sentence:
• “Have luck on your side in the match.”
• “Essay day tomorrow? Have luck on your side.”
Other ways to say: Luck backing you, luck’s behind you
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in encouragement in American talk.
Usage: Said before tests or competitions.
50. Lucky strike of fate
Meaning: Unexpected good luck from destiny.
Example Sentence:
• “Meeting her was a lucky strike of fate.”
• “The contest win felt like a lucky strike of fate.”
Other ways to say: Fate’s gift, destiny luck
Fun Fact/Origin: Poetic phrase used in US stories.
Usage: Said when people see lucky results as fate.
51. Pass under a ladder (superstitious—bad luck, but linked to avoiding bad luck is good luck)
Meaning: Considered bad luck—but if you do and still have good luck, you’re especially lucky.
Example Sentence:
• “I passed under a ladder, but still aced the test—extra lucky!”
• “We walked under a ladder, but the day was great—an odd lucky day.”
Other ways to say: Avoided bad luck, still lucky
Fun Fact/Origin: Ladder superstition in the USA.
Usage: Said when something could have gone wrong but didn’t.
52. Pick up a good omen
Meaning: Notice a sign that luck is coming.
Example Sentence:
• “A rainbow—that’s picking up a good omen!”
• “Saw a robin? That’s picking up a good omen for the day.”
Other ways to say: See a lucky sign, get good vibes
Fun Fact/Origin: Many Americans think small signs bring luck.
Usage: Said when you see something you believe is lucky.
53. Lucky penny for your thoughts
Meaning: A fun play on words—giving luck and asking thoughts.
Example Sentence:
• “Hey friend—lucky penny for your thoughts?”
• “I called my brother—lucky penny for your thoughts?”
Other ways to say: Lucky thought ask, penny idea invite
Fun Fact/Origin: A twist on “penny for your thoughts,” used playfully in the USA.
Usage: Said in a fun way to start talking.
54. Lucky shot
Meaning: A lucky success by chance.
Example Sentence:
• “That basketball shot was a lucky shot.”
• “The picture came out right—what a lucky shot.”
Other ways to say: Random success, chance win
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in American sports and photography.
Usage: Said when success comes by surprise.
55. Lucky charm in hand
Meaning: Holding something believed to bring luck.
Example Sentence:
• “She has the rabbit’s foot—lucky charm in hand.”
• “My lucky bracelet—lucky charm in hand.”
Other ways to say: Holding lucky item, lucky token in hand
Fun Fact/Origin: Many Americans hold lucky items for tests or games.
Usage: Said when someone carries something for luck.
56. Hit the nail on the head with luck
Meaning: Be exactly right by chance.
Example Sentence:
• “I guessed the puzzle—hit the nail on the head with luck.”
• “My guess was right—hit the nail on the head with luck.”
Other ways to say: Lucky exactly right, bull’s‑eye by chance
Fun Fact/Origin: Mixes a saying (“hit nail on head”) with luck in US talk.
Usage: Said when someone guesses or acts exactly right by luck.
57. Dipped in luck
Meaning: Thoroughly lucky.
Example Sentence:
• “The whole holiday was dipped in luck.”
• “That week was dipped in luck—so many great things happened.”
Other ways to say: Soaked in luck, full of luck
Fun Fact/Origin: American poetic phrase about luck.
Usage: Said when an experience is full of good luck.
58. Lucked out
Meaning: Had very good luck.
Example Sentence:
• “I lucked out finding front row seats.”
• “She lucked out getting the last cookie.”
Other ways to say: Got lucky, hit the luck jackpot
Fun Fact/Origin: A casual phrase often used in the USA.
Usage: Said when someone gets great luck easily.
Quiz: Idioms About Good Luck
Instructions: Choose the best meaning for each idiom. Each question has one correct answer. Think about what the idiom means in everyday American life.
Question Key
1. What does “break a leg” mean?
a) Get hurt on stage
b) Wish someone good luck
c) Jump around
2. If someone says “knock on wood,” what are they doing?
a) Making a loud noise
b) Trying to keep good luck going
c) Hoping to scare someone
3. “Cross your fingers” means:
a) Hope for something good
b) Tell a lie
c) Make a promise
4. What is “beginner’s luck”?
a) A new player loses a game
b) A new player gets lucky success
c) A beginner forgets how to play
5. What does “on a roll” mean?
a) Eating lunch
b) Losing many times
c) Having many good things happen in a row
6. “Pot luck” means:
a) Bringing a dish to share
b) Making soup
c) Being lucky with your cooking
7. If someone says “better luck next time,” what do they mean?
a) You did great
b) Try again and hope for luck
c) You should give up
8. What does “roll the dice” mean?
a) Play a board game
b) Take a chance
c) Throw something away
9. “Lucky charm” means:
a) A magic drink
b) Something believed to bring luck
c) A bad luck sign
10. What does “third time’s the charm” mean?
a) You will win on your third try
b) You are always unlucky
c) You should only try once
11. “Make your own luck” means:
a) Create magic
b) Work hard and make good things happen
c) Copy someone else
12. If you “hit the jackpot,” what happened?
a) You lost a game
b) You made a big mistake
c) You got something really lucky
13. What does “with any luck” mean?
a) Hopefully something good will happen
b) Nothing will happen
c) You don’t need luck
14. “Luck of the draw” means:
a) You got to pick first
b) Something random happened
c) You made the best drawing
15. If someone is “born under a lucky star,” what does it mean?
a) They are always unlucky
b) They have good luck in life
c) They watch stars at night
16. What is a “lucky break”?
a) A broken bone
b) A bad moment
c) A sudden chance to succeed
17. “Fingers crossed” is used when:
a) You are angry
b) You are hoping for something
c) You are waving
18. “Lady Luck” is:
a) A real person
b) A nickname for good luck
c) A teacher
19. “Lucked out” means:
a) You had very good luck
b) You ran out of luck
c) You were unlucky
20. If someone says “good fortune smiles on you,” they mean:
a) You got in trouble
b) You had bad luck
c) You had good luck
21. What does it mean to “toast to luck”?
a) Burn something
b) Celebrate good luck
c) Make a sandwich
22. “Lucky find” means:
a) Something lost
b) Something good found by chance
c) A pet
23. “Safe bet” means:
a) You will likely win
b) A game at school
c) A scary choice
24. If someone says “luck is on your side,” what does that mean?
a) You are being tricked
b) You are likely to fail
c) You have good luck helping you
25. “Beginner’s luck” means:
a) A new person has no chance
b) A new person wins easily
c) Someone forgets the rules
Answer Key
- b) Wish someone good luck
- b) Trying to keep good luck going
- a) Hope for something good
- b) A new player gets lucky success
- c) Having many good things happen in a row
- a) Bringing a dish to share
- b) Try again and hope for luck
- b) Take a chance
- b) Something believed to bring luck
- a) You will win on your third try
- b) Work hard and make good things happen
- c) You got something really lucky
- a) Hopefully something good will happen
- b) Something random happened
- b) They have good luck in life
- c) A sudden chance to succeed
- b) You are hoping for something
- b) A nickname for good luck
- a) You had very good luck
- c) You had good luck
- b) Celebrate good luck
- b) Something good found by chance
- a) You will likely win
- c) You have good luck helping you
- b) A new person wins easily
Wrapping Up
Idioms about good luck are a big part of how people talk in the USA. From wishing someone to “break a leg” before a show to saying “fingers crossed” before a big test, these sayings help people share hope and positive vibes in a fun way. They’re short, easy to remember, and make everyday talk more interesting.
Learning these idioms can also help you understand others better and join in on common conversations. Whether you’re a student, a player, or just someone hoping for a good day, these phrases can come in handy. Try using them the next time you’re cheering someone on or wishing for a bit of luck.
