Chance & Luck: English Vocabulary List

a year with an abundance of cherries brings happiness and cheer, while a year with an abundance of plums leads to silence or lack of excitement

"A cherry year means happiness."

"The orchard produced a bumper cherry crop and the farmers took it as a good omen — a cherry year a merry year."

used to emphasize the importance of intelligence and resourcefulness in achieving success, suggesting that good fortune may not always be enough to succeed or overcome challenges

"A small clever idea can save you — a little wit may save a fortunate man."

"He talked his way out of a difficult situation with a quick thought — a little wit may save a fortunate man."

used to suggest that what may initially be perceived as bad luck can ultimately lead to fortunate or positive outcomes through unforeseen circumstances or opportunities

"Bad luck can sometimes lead to good things — bad luck often brings good luck."

"Losing the original contract led to a far better one — bad luck often brings good luck."

used to imply that luck or good fortune can provide individuals with more opportunities and advantages in life than wealth alone

"Luck is more valuable than money — better to be born lucky than rich."

"She had no connections or capital but everything worked out — better to be born lucky than rich."

used to suggest that individuals who engage in unethical or immoral behavior may still experience good luck or success in life, despite their actions

"Bad people often have good luck — devil's children have the devil's luck."

"The dishonest competitor kept winning contracts — devil's children inherit the devil's luck."

used to suggest that opportunities for success or good luck are not limitless, and that individuals should be ready to seize opportunities when they arise

"Every person gets one real chance — fortune knocks once at every man's door."

"She recognised her moment and took it — fortune knocks once at every man's door."

used to suggest that one should prepare for the worst-case scenario in situations that are prone to mishaps, as when things go wrong, they often go as badly as possible

"Things always seem to go wrong at the worst time — the bread always falls buttered side down."

"Every time the team was nearly finished, something went wrong — the bread always falls buttered side down."

used to imply that individuals who are fortunate in pursuits of skill or chance may be less successful in matters of love and relationships

"Good at games but unlucky in love — lucky at cards, unlucky in love."

"He won everything at the casino but his relationships never lasted — lucky at cards, unlucky in love."

used to imply that everyone will eventually experience a moment of good luck or success, regardless of their current situation or status

"He failed many times, but now he is successful — every dog has its day."

"She was overlooked for years, but her breakthrough finally came — every dog has its day."