out of luck: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘out of luck’ mean?
"Out of luck" means to have no good fortune or opportunities, often due to circumstances beyond one's control.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "shit out of luck" is an informal expression used to describe someone who is in a very unlucky or unfortunate situation, often with no hope of finding a solution or receiving help.
When someone is "out of their depth," it means they are in a situation that is too difficult or complex for them to handle or understand.
Out of one's depth is an idiomatic expression that has its roots in nautical terminology. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a person is overwhelmed or lacking the necessary expertise or knowledge to deal with a task or challenge. This idiom implies a sense of being out of one's comfort zone.
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.
The idiom "out of house and home" means to be completely destitute, having lost everything one possesses, especially due to financial hardships or being forced to leave one's home.
The idiom "out of gas" means to have no more energy, enthusiasm, or motivation to continue doing something. It can also refer to a situation where a vehicle has run out of fuel and is unable to continue running.
The idiom *out of bounds* means that something is prohibited or not allowed within a certain area or context.
The idiom "on the outs" means being in a state of disagreement or conflict with someone, typically resulting in a strained or distant relationship.
An "one-way ticket to Palookaville" means a definite path to failure or a situation where there is no hope for success or improvement.
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 "oh well" is used to express resignation or acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed. It conveys a sense of letting go and moving on from disappointment or frustration.
Unfortunate Circumstances
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.
Luck, which is the key element in this expression, encompasses the unpredictable and unforeseen events in life that can result in positive or negative outcomes. "Out of luck" suggests that luck has turned against the individual, leading to an unfavorable or unsuccessful outcome.
This idiomatic expression is used in various contexts to convey the idea that one has exhausted their chances of achieving a desired goal or favorable outcome. It implies a sense of hopelessness or resignation, indicating that there are no further opportunities for success or good fortune.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the concept of luck and its association with fortune, chance, and probability. The idiom "out of luck" is often used colloquially in casual conversations, as well as in more formal or professional settings. It is frequently employed in narratives, discussions, and personal anecdotes to describe instances where the speaker or someone else has experienced a stroke of bad luck or faced unfavorable circumstances that hindered their desired outcome.
What does it mean to be "out of luck"? Essentially, it means that you have run out of favorable opportunities or chances for success. Whether it's in a game, a job search, or any other endeavor, being "out of luck" signifies that things have not gone in your favor.
People often use this expression to describe situations where they have tried everything and have come up empty-handed. It's as if luck has abandoned them entirely, leaving them feeling hopeless and resigned to their unfortunate circumstances.
When you're "out of luck," it feels like the universe is conspiring against you. Every decision you make seems to lead to a dead end, and every opportunity for success slips through your fingers. You start to question why luck has turned its back on you and wonder if things will ever change.
But despite the feeling of hopelessness, being "out of luck" also carries with it an air of uncertainty and the possibility of a turn of events. Although you may currently find yourself in an unfavorable situation, there is always a glimmer of hope that circumstances may improve in the future.
When you're "out of luck," it's important to remember that luck is not a constant state. Just as luck can turn against us, it can also change in our favor. All it takes is one stroke of luck or a fortunate break to completely alter our circumstances.
Related Idioms:
"shit out of luck" is a variation of the idiom "out of luck" that adds an element of vulgarity and intensifies the sense of hopelessness or misfortune. It suggests that the situation has gone from bad to worse, emphasizing the magnitude of the unlucky or unfavorable circumstances one is facing. While both idioms convey a similar meaning, "shit out of luck" adds a layer of emotional and impactful language to the expression.
"luck out" stands in contrast to the idiom "out of luck." While "out of luck" signifies a lack of success or unfortunate circumstances, "luck out" carries a positive connotation and implies a stroke of good luck or a fortunate outcome. To "luck out" means to have luck on one's side and to experience a desirable or favorable result. Unlike being "out of luck," "luck out" indicates that luck has favored the individual, leading to a successful or fortunate outcome.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "out of luck" can be used in a sentence:
- After searching all day, she finally realized she was out of luck and couldn't find her lost keys.
- He tried to buy tickets to the concert last minute, but they were already sold out, so he was out of luck.
- Despite his best efforts, he was out of luck when it came to getting a promotion at work.
More "Misfortune" idioms
