tough luck: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tough luck’ mean?
The idiom tough luck is used to express sympathy or the lack thereof when someone experiences misfortune or an unfortunate outcome. It implies that the situation is unfortunate, but there is no remedy or solution available to change it.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tough going" means that a situation or task is difficult or challenging. It implies that progress or success is not easily achieved and requires a lot of effort and perseverance.
The idiom "tough break" means experiencing a difficult or unfortunate situation, often through no fault of one's own.
The idiom "tough break" is a common expression used in American English. It is widely understood to convey a sense of sympathy or empathy toward someone who has experienced an unfortunate or challenging situation. The phrase is often used to acknowledge and express condolences for someone's misfortune.
The idiom "to no avail" means that someone's efforts or actions have not achieved the desired result or outcome.
The idiom "to no avail" is a phrase commonly used in English. It is an idiomatic expression that describes an unsuccessful or futile situation or effort. When something is done "to no avail," it means that the desired outcome was not achieved, despite best intentions or efforts.
The idiom "them's the breaks" is used to convey that a difficult or unfortunate situation is unavoidable and there is nothing one can do about it.
The idiom "stroke of luck" refers to an unexpected event or situation that brings good fortune or success to someone.
The idiom "strike it lucky" means to suddenly have unexpected success or good fortune.
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.
"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.
Origins of Misfortune
The phrase "tough break" is closely related to "tough luck" and is used to express empathy or sympathy towards someone who has encountered an unfortunate or difficult situation. Similar to "tough luck," "tough break" conveys a sense of understanding that the individual's circumstances are beyond their control. It acknowledges the hardship they are facing and offers support or consolation.
"too bad" is another idiom that is related to "tough luck." It is often used to express disappointment or regret for someone's unfortunate circumstances. While "too bad" can be used in a sympathetic manner, it can also be used more casually or dismissively. In these cases, it might not convey the same level of empathy as "tough luck," but rather acknowledge the situation without offering consolation.
Another related idiom is "tough cookies." This expression is often used to convey that someone will have to accept and deal with a difficult or unfortunate situation, as there is no other option. Unlike "tough luck," which emphasizes empathy and understanding, "tough cookies" may imply a sense of resignation or tough-mindedness.
The phrase "shit out of luck" is a more vulgar way of expressing the concept of "tough luck." It conveys a similar meaning, indicating that someone is facing an unfortunate circumstance and has no recourse or luck on their side. This idiom is often used in informal or colloquial contexts and may be considered offensive in more formal settings.
Lastly, "out of luck" is a straightforward and concise way to express that someone is faced with an unfortunate or unlucky situation. It carries a similar meaning to "tough luck" and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. It conveys a sense of helplessness or lack of control over the circumstances at hand.
"tough luck" is an idiomatic expression that conveys sympathy or understanding towards someone facing difficult or unfortunate circumstances. It is related to other idioms such as "tough break," "too bad," "tough cookies," "shit out of luck," and "out of luck," which all express similar sentiments in different ways. The usage of these idioms can vary based on the speaker's tone and intention, but they all serve as a means to acknowledge and respond to adversity in a conversational and empathetic manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "tough luck" can be used in a sentence:
- He lost the race and exclaimed, "Tough luck!"
- She failed the exam despite studying all night, but her friend just responded with "Tough luck."
- The team was hoping for a win, but they faced tough luck when their star player got injured.
More "Misfortune" idioms
