I often describe myself as a lucky person. In my personal and professional life, good things have happened to me because of chance and unplanned circumstances. I certainly work hard and take pride in my education and the abilities and skills that I have acquired and used over the years. But, the fact is, some of the best things in my life have been because of luck. And I’m not alone. Probably most of you can say the same thing. Good things just seem to happen.

In English, there are many expressions and famous quotes about luck. We also find ourselves talking about bad luck, the opposite of luck. But, let’s not waste any time today with negatives. This post is all about the positives.

Phrases About Luck

The most common English expression about luck is to wish someone good luck. Whether it’s about an upcoming test, a job interview, or anything that someone is nervous about, it is always important to say, “Good luck!” or, “I wish you the best of luck.”

Likewise, if you are the person having nervous feelings, you might say to someone, “Wish me luck.” If someone says this to you, it is important that you reply by saying, “Good luck.”

Alternately, say, “Lots of luck!”

If they fail the test, you should say, “Well, better luck next time.”

If you have success at something you’ve never tried before, it’s said to be beginner’s luck.

Something unexpected and good that happens, like meeting a friend you haven’t seen in a while, is a stroke of luck.

To luck out is being in a very good situation. “I lucked out when I won tickets to last night’s concert.”

As luck would have it is a phrase that expresses a fortunate coincidence. “I was running late for my meeting when, as luck would have it, somebody pulled out of a parking spot just as I was driving up.”

The luck of the draw is the result of something which you have no control over. “The weather was great every day of my vacation. It was just the luck of the draw, I guess.”

Someone who frequently has good fortune is on a lucky streak.

You could call that person a lucky dog.

If you have won something multiple times, but you try to win one more, you are pushing your luck.

Sometimes, when someone has been lucky, they will say, “I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.”

If something great happens, like finding the perfect job without even looking for it, you might say, “It just fell into my lap.”

Quotes About Luck

“Ability is of little account without opportunity.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“We are all a great deal luckier than we realize; we usually get what we want, or near enough.” Roald Dahl

“Those who have succeeded at anything and don’t mention luck are kidding themselves.” Larry King

“So Good-Luck came, and on my roof did light, Like noiseless snow, or as the dew of night.” Robert Herrick, The Coming of Good Luck

“Luck was a servant and not a master. Luck had to be accepted with a shrug or taken advantage of up to the hilt. But it had to be understood and recognized for what it was and not confused with a faulty appreciation of the odds, for, at gambling, the deadly sin is to mistake bad play for bad luck. And luck in all its moods had to be loved and not feared.” Ian Fleming, Casino Royale

And, finally, perhaps the most famous movie quote ever about luck.