When we want to wish someone well, idioms can help us express our care in a vivid, memorable way. In English, there are so many charming idioms about good luck that can bring a smile and a little extra warmth to everyday conversations. Over the years, I’ve learned that sprinkling these phrases into our speech can help us connect, encourage, and inspire — whether someone’s about to take an exam, start a new job, or just needs a lift. Let’s dive into 25 idioms about good luck that you can use to brighten someone’s day.
1. Break a Leg
Meaning: Wish someone great success, especially before a performance.
In a Sentence: “You’ll do amazing in your audition — break a leg!”
Best Use: Perfect for theatrical idioms or wishing luck before big events.
Other Ways to Say: Knock ‘em dead, go smash it.
2. Fingers Crossed
Meaning: Hoping for a positive outcome.
In a Sentence: “Fingers crossed you get the job!”
Best Use: When someone is waiting for news or a result.
Other Ways to Say: Cross your fingers, here’s hoping.
3. Best of Luck
Meaning: A warm way to wish someone well.
In a Sentence: “Best of luck with your new venture.”
Best Use: Works in both formal and informal settings.
Other Ways to Say: Wishing you all the best, good luck.
4. Knock on Wood
Meaning: A gesture to ward off bad luck.
In a Sentence: “I haven’t been sick all year — knock on wood.”
Best Use: After mentioning something positive you hope stays true.
Other Ways to Say: Touch wood (UK).
5. As Luck Would Have It
Meaning: By chance or fortune.
In a Sentence: “As luck would have it, I found my keys in my bag.”
Best Use: When something fortunate happens unexpectedly.
Other Ways to Say: By chance, luckily.
6. Stroke of Luck
Meaning: A sudden, unexpected good fortune.
In a Sentence: “Landing that job was a real stroke of luck.”
Best Use: To describe surprising positive outcomes.
Other Ways to Say: Bit of luck, lucky break.
7. Any Luck?
Meaning: Asking if someone has been successful.
In a Sentence: “Did you find your wallet — any luck?”
Best Use: Everyday conversations when checking progress.
Other Ways to Say: Any news?, Have you had success?
8. Knock Them Dead
Meaning: Impress others and succeed brilliantly.
In a Sentence: “You’re going to knock them dead in that interview!”
Best Use: Motivating someone before a big moment.
Other Ways to Say: Blow them away, wow them.
9. Luck of the Draw
Meaning: Something determined purely by chance.
In a Sentence: “Winning is just the luck of the draw.”
Best Use: Talking about outcomes out of our control.
Other Ways to Say: Random chance, by luck alone.
10. Better Luck Next Time
Meaning: Encouraging someone after disappointment.
In a Sentence: “You didn’t win? Oh well — better luck next time!”
Best Use: Comforting someone kindly.
Other Ways to Say: Don’t give up, try again.
11. Blow Them Away
Meaning: To deeply impress others.
In a Sentence: “Your speech will blow them away!”
Best Use: To build someone’s confidence.
Other Ways to Say: Knock their socks off, wow them.
12. Break the Ice
Meaning: Make people feel comfortable in new situations.
In a Sentence: “A joke can help break the ice at parties.”
Best Use: When trying something new or meeting new people.
Other Ways to Say: Warm things up, ease tension.
13. Hit the Jackpot
Meaning: Achieve an unexpected big success.
In a Sentence: “You really hit the jackpot with that promotion!”
Best Use: Talking about big wins.
Other Ways to Say: Strike gold, big win.
14. Push Your Luck
Meaning: Risk losing what you’ve gained by being too greedy.
In a Sentence: “Don’t push your luck — stop while you’re ahead.”
Best Use: Giving friendly advice.
Other Ways to Say: Tempt fate, risk it.
15. Run of Luck
Meaning: A series of fortunate events.
In a Sentence: “You’re really on a run of luck lately!”
Best Use: Praising someone’s good fortune.
Other Ways to Say: Winning streak, lucky streak.
16. That Ship Has Sailed
Meaning: A missed opportunity.
In a Sentence: “I wanted to apply, but that ship has sailed.”
Best Use: Talking about chances that are gone.
Other Ways to Say: Missed the boat, too late.
17. Wishing You All the Best
Meaning: Sending warm wishes for success.
In a Sentence: “Wishing you all the best on your new journey.”
Best Use: Cards, messages, well-wishes.
Other Ways to Say: Best of luck, good luck.
18. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Meaning: What you do matters more than what you say.
In a Sentence: “Remember, actions speak louder than words.”
Best Use: Encouragement to show effort.
Other Ways to Say: Prove it, walk the talk.
19. Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Meaning: Something good can come from a bad situation.
In a Sentence: “You lost your job, but maybe every cloud has a silver lining.”
Best Use: Comfort during tough times.
Other Ways to Say: Look on the bright side.
20. May Fortune Favor You
Meaning: Wishing for good luck to be with you.
In a Sentence: “May fortune favor you in your new business!”
Best Use: Formal well-wishes.
Other Ways to Say: May luck be on your side.
21. Strike While the Iron is Hot
Meaning: Take a chance when the time is right.
In a Sentence: “You should strike while the iron is hot and apply now.”
Best Use: Motivation to act quickly.
Other Ways to Say: Seize the day, act now.
22. Brave the Storm
Meaning: Face a tough situation with courage.
In a Sentence: “You’re strong enough to brave the storm.”
Best Use: Encouragement through challenges.
Other Ways to Say: Weather the storm, face it head-on.
23. Take the Plunge
Meaning: To take a risk bravely.
In a Sentence: “Just take the plunge and start your own business!”
Best Use: Pushing someone to try something new.
Other Ways to Say: Go for it, take a leap.
24. Win Hands Down
Meaning: Succeed easily.
In a Sentence: “You’ll win hands down with your talent.”
Best Use: Boosting confidence.
Other Ways to Say: No contest, easy win.
25. A Lucky Break
Meaning: A sudden chance that leads to success.
In a Sentence: “Getting that internship was a lucky break.”
Best Use: Talking about unexpected opportunities.
Other Ways to Say: Fortunate turn, good break.
FAQs
1. What is an idiom?
An idiom is a special phrase whose meaning is different from its literal words.
2. How can idioms help me sound more fluent?
They make your English sound natural, informal, and expressive.
3. Are idioms the same worldwide?
No — idioms vary by culture, but some ideas like good luck are universal.
4. How can I practice idioms?
Use them in daily conversations, short exercises, or writing practice.
5. Are idioms still used today?
Absolutely! They’re a fun way to impress others and connect naturally.
Conclusion
I’ve seen firsthand how these 25 idioms about good luck add color, charm, and warmth to our everyday speech. Whether you’re sending well wishes, encouraging someone to take a chance, or simply hoping for a positive outcome, idioms can make your words more meaningful and memorable. Learn a few at a time, sprinkle them into your chats, and see how your confidence grows. Here’s wishing you all the best — and may good luck always be on your side!
