luck of the draw: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘luck of the draw’ mean?
The idiom "luck of the draw" means that the outcome of a situation is determined purely by chance or luck, with no control or influence over the result.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stroke of luck" refers to an unexpected event or situation that brings good fortune or success to someone.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
The idiom "out of nowhere" is a commonly used phrase in English language, primarily in the United States. It is often used to describe unexpected events or occurrences that seem to have no clear or logical origin.
"Out of luck" means to have no good fortune or opportunities, often due to circumstances beyond one's control.
The idiom "out of luck" is a commonly used expression in American English that refers to being in a situation where one does not have any luck or favorable outcomes. It often indicates a lack of success or unfortunate circumstances.
The idiom "on the toss of a coin" means making a decision or taking a chance based solely on the outcome of a coin toss.
The idiom "on the cards" means that something is likely or probable to happen in the future.
The idiom "one of those things" refers to a situation or event that is out of one's control, often unexpected or difficult to explain or understand.
The idiom "one of those things" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often employed in discussions about events, situations, or circumstances that are difficult to explain or understand. While there are variations of this idiom, the core meaning remains consistent.
The idiom "on a whim" means doing something without any prior planning or thought. It refers to a spontaneous decision or action that is often impulsive and not based on any rational reasoning.
The idiom "on a losing wicket" means being in a situation where success is unlikely or the odds are against you.
"On a losing wicket" is a phrase commonly used in British English that originated from the sport of cricket. This figurative idiom expresses the idea of being in a situation or position where failure or defeat is likely. It has been in use for several decades and is still commonly used in contemporary language.
The idiom "off-the-cuff" means to say or do something spontaneously or without preparation.
Unveiling Fortuity
The idiom "luck of the draw" is commonly used in American English to convey the idea that success or failure is determined purely by chance or luck, without any control or influence from individuals. It implies that there is no choice or preference involved in the outcome.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the game of chance, specifically card games. In card games, players often have to draw cards from a shuffled deck, and the cards they get are purely based on luck.
Over time, the idiom "luck of the draw" has acquired a broader meaning beyond card games and is now used in a wider context. It is often used to describe situations where the outcome is determined by random or uncontrollable factors.
For example, in a lottery, winning or losing can be attributed to the "luck of the draw" as the results are entirely based on chance.
Furthermore, the idiom can be used to describe situations in life where one's success or failure is determined by circumstances beyond their control.
It is worth noting that the idiom is often used in a neutral or slightly negative tone, suggesting a lack of control or influence over the outcome.
The usage of the idiom "luck of the draw" is quite prevalent in everyday conversations, literature, and media, making it a well-established phrase in American English.
The idiom "luck of the draw" originated from the world of card games, describing an outcome determined solely by luck or chance.
"dumb luck" is a related idiom that is often used interchangeably with "luck of the draw." It refers to a situation where success or failure is completely random and without any intelligent or intentional action on the part of an individual.
Similarly, "luck out" is another related idiom that emphasizes the element of luck in a positive way. It means to be fortunate or lucky in a particular situation, without any effort or intention.
"as luck may have it" is yet another idiom related to "luck of the draw." It suggests that by chance or luck, something unexpected or fortunate has happened.
Finally, "as luck would have it" is an idiom used to express irony or a surprising coincidence. It implies that something has happened purely by chance, even though it may be unlikely or unexpected.
Overall, the idiom "luck of the draw" captures the idea that success or failure can be determined purely by chance or luck, without any control or influence from individuals. It has evolved from its origins in card games to encompass a wider range of situations in which random or uncontrollable factors play a significant role. The related idioms "dumb luck," "luck out," "as luck may have it," and "as luck would have it" further highlight the various nuances of luck and chance in different contexts. Whether it's winning a lottery or navigating the unpredictable nature of life, these idioms remind us of the inherent uncertainty and possibilities that luck can bring.
Example usage
Examples:
- She didn't get the promotion because she was not qualified, it was just the luck of the draw.
- In a game of poker, sometimes even the most skilled players can lose due to the luck of the draw.
- When it comes to winning the lottery, it's all luck of the draw; you never know who will be the lucky winner.
The idiom "luck of the draw" is used to describe a situation where outcomes are determined by chance rather than skill, merit, or personal preference. It implies that there is no control over the result, and it is purely random. The phrase is commonly used in various contexts, such as sports, games, or random selection processes, to emphasize that luck plays a significant role in the outcome.
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