devil’s luck: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘devil's luck’ mean?
The idiom "devil's luck" refers to someone who consistently has misfortune or bad luck. This phrase implies that the person's luck is so consistently bad that it appears as if the devil himself is responsible for their misfortunes.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in the wrong place at the wrong time" means being in a situation where something bad happens due to unfortunate timing or circumstances.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
The idiom "hell mend someone" means that someone will have to suffer the consequences or outcomes of their actions, usually in a negative way.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
An idiom that signifies something or someone considered to be a great blessing or stroke of luck, often seen as a divine or fortunate occurrence.
The idiom "gift from above" is a well-known phrase in the English language. It carries a deeper meaning that has captured the interest of many individuals.
The idiom *ghetto lottery* refers to the perception that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood has a high likelihood of resulting in unfortunate events or circumstances, often related to crime or poverty.
Perplexing Plight
The idiom "devil's luck" is a phrase that is predominantly used in informal English. Its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, although its exact origin is unclear.
The phrase "devil's luck" often describes a person's seemingly fortuitous or unexplainable success. It is attributed to luck that is perceived as being of a sinister or malevolent nature, like it's the devil himself pulling the strings.
The idiom "devil's luck" is not as commonly used as some other idioms, but it can still be heard in casual conversations. It has a familiarity that varies depending on the cultural, regional, and generational context.
There is limited information available on specific instances of the use of the idiom "devil's luck" in literature or popular media. However, some fictional works have used the idiom, showcasing its place in literary expressions.
The meaning of "devil's luck" is not fixed or widely agreed upon. Different individuals interpret it differently. Some see it as a purely negative expression, denoting an undeserved or temporary stroke of good fortune, while others view it as a more ambiguous and ironic portrayal of unexpected success.
It is worth noting that while the phrase "devil's luck" may have negative connotations, it does not imply any supernatural or religious belief. Instead, it is a figurative expression and should be understood within the context of idiomatic language.
Understanding the nuances and variations of the idiom "devil's luck" can be challenging due to its limited usage and lack of documentation. Nonetheless, its presence in the English language adds to the rich tapestry of idiomatic expressions that capture the complexities of human experiences and emotions.
While the origins and exact meaning of the idiom "devil's luck" may remain somewhat elusive, its continued use in contemporary language reflects the enduring fascination with exploring luck, fortune, and the human condition. Although a definitive conclusion about the idiom's origin or exact meaning may be out of reach, the intrigue and ambiguity surrounding the phrase contribute to its enduring appeal and the endless possibilities of interpretation.
dumb luck is a term often used interchangeably with "devil's luck." It refers to a stroke of luck that occurs randomly or unexpectedly, without any particular effort or skill on the part of the person experiencing it. It's like stumbling upon good fortune by sheer chance or happenstance.
Similarly, tough luck can be seen as the opposite of "devil's luck." It describes a string of unfortunate events or outcomes that befall someone. Unlike the seemingly fortunate and undeserved success associated with "devil's luck," tough luck represents a series of hardships or misfortunes that someone has to endure.
The phrases as luck may have it and as luck would have it are idiomatic expressions that acknowledge the role of luck in determining the outcome of a situation. They suggest that the outcome, whether positive or negative, was entirely dependent on chance or fortune. These phrases are often used to introduce unexpected twists or turns in a story or narrative.
devil in disguise is another idiom related to "devil's luck." It refers to someone or something that appears harmless or innocent but is, in reality, deceptive or malevolent. Just as luck in the idiom "devil's luck" may seem fortuitous but ultimately undependable, the devil in disguise may appear benign but has malicious intentions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "devil's luck" can be used in a sentence:
- Despite his lack of skill, John always seems to win at poker - he must have the devil's luck!
- Every time I try to fix something, it only gets worse. I swear I have the devil's luck when it comes to DIY projects.
- She managed to catch the last train just before it left the station - talk about devil's luck!
More "Misfortune" idioms
