There are many ways to say ‘good luck’ in English and there are many good luck charms* in the English-speaking world as well. Today we are going to look at both of these good luck sayings and charms. First I’ll review a number of ways to wish someone good luck, then I’ll present some different good luck charms. Let’s get started.

Good luck sayings:

good luck
Example: A: “I’m leaving for my first work trip tomorrow.” B: “Good luck!”

best of luck
Example: “Best of luck in your interview later.”

wishing you all the best
Example: “We are wishing you all the best with your move.”

cross my fingers
Example: “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you and your husband.” or “ I hope you get the scholarship, I’ll cross my fingers for you.”

break a leg (used to wish a person good luck with a performance)
Example: “Go out there and break a leg.”

may the force be with you (a reference to the movie Star Wars)
Example: A: “I’m about to give my big presentation.” B: “May the force be with you.”

Lucky charms:

four leaf clover
It is considered good luck to find a four leaf clover because they are rare, most clovers only have three leaves. If you find one you should keep it to bring yourself luck.

rabbit’s foot
A rabbit’s foot is believed to be lucky in many cultures in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

horseshoe
Some people believe hanging a horseshoe (with the pointed ends up) brings good luck to the place where it is hanging. Some sailors used to nail horseshoe to the masts of their ships for good luck at sea.

ladybug
If a ladybug lands on you this is considered lucky. Unlike many other insects ladybugs don’t bite, which may be why they are considered lucky.  They are also very pretty.

rainbow
It is supposedly lucky to see a rainbow and it is even more lucky to see a double rainbow! Some people say rainbows are lucky because if you follow one to the end you will find a pot of gold, others say rainbows are a sign from God.
*good luck charm – a symbol or object thought to bring good luck to the holder