Good luck is more than just a phrase—it’s a warm wish, a gesture of care, and a hopeful expression we share during important moments in life. Whether someone is starting a new job, sitting for an exam, traveling, or taking a big risk, idioms for good luck help us communicate encouragement with thoughtfulness and emotional depth.
As a writer and language enthusiast, I’ve often noticed how idiomatic expressions make conversations feel more human and sincere. Over the years, using these phrases in personal and professional settings has helped me connect more genuinely with others. This article brings together 25 commonly used idioms for good luck, explained in a clear, empathetic, and practical way—so you can use them confidently in everyday communication.
1. Break a Leg
Meaning: A way to wish someone success, especially before a performance.
In a sentence: Before her stage debut, I smiled and said, break a leg.
Best use: Performing arts, presentations, public speaking.
Other ways to say: Good luck, You’ll do great, Knock them dead.
2. Fingers Crossed
Meaning: Hoping for a positive outcome.
In a sentence: I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your interview.
Best use: Casual conversations, informal encouragement.
Other ways to say: Hoping for the best, Best wishes.
3. Best of Luck
Meaning: A sincere wish for success.
In a sentence: I truly wish you the best of luck on your new journey.
Best use: Formal and informal situations.
Other ways to say: All the best, Good fortune to you.
4. Godspeed
Meaning: Wishing safety and success, especially on a journey.
In a sentence: As he left for overseas work, we wished him godspeed.
Best use: Farewells, long journeys.
Other ways to say: Safe travels, Good luck and take care.
5. May Fortune Smile on You
Meaning: Hoping luck favors someone.
In a sentence: May fortune smile on you during this new chapter.
Best use: Written wishes, heartfelt messages.
Other ways to say: May luck be with you.
6. Lucky Break
Meaning: An unexpected chance leading to success.
In a sentence: That job offer was a real lucky break for him.
Best use: Reflecting on success stories.
Other ways to say: Stroke of luck, Golden opportunity.
7. Born Under a Lucky Star
Meaning: Naturally fortunate in life.
In a sentence: She seems born under a lucky star.
Best use: Complimenting someone’s fortune.
Other ways to say: Very fortunate, Naturally lucky.
8. On a Roll
Meaning: Experiencing continuous success.
In a sentence: You’re really on a roll these days!
Best use: Motivation and praise.
Other ways to say: Doing great, Winning streak.
9. Strike It Lucky
Meaning: To suddenly become successful.
In a sentence: He struck it lucky with his first business venture.
Best use: Business or career success stories.
Other ways to say: Hit the jackpot.
10. Luck Be with You
Meaning: A direct wish for good fortune.
In a sentence: As you begin, luck be with you.
Best use: Formal encouragement.
Other ways to say: May luck follow you.
11. Have Lady Luck on Your Side
Meaning: To be favored by luck.
In a sentence: With preparation and confidence, you’ll have Lady Luck on your side.
Best use: Competitive or challenging situations.
Other ways to say: Fortune favors you.
12. Fortunate Turn of Events
Meaning: A positive change due to luck.
In a sentence: Meeting her mentor was a fortunate turn of events.
Best use: Storytelling and reflections.
Other ways to say: Happy coincidence.
13. Golden Touch
Meaning: The ability to succeed easily.
In a sentence: Everything he tries turns successful—he has the golden touch.
Best use: Compliments.
Other ways to say: Magic touch.
14. Happy Chance
Meaning: A lucky coincidence.
In a sentence: By a happy chance, we met again.
Best use: Personal stories.
Other ways to say: Lucky coincidence.
15. Good Fortune
Meaning: Favorable luck.
In a sentence: Wishing you good fortune in all you do.
Best use: Formal writing.
Other ways to say: Prosperity, Luck.
16. Hit the Jackpot
Meaning: Achieve great success.
In a sentence: You really hit the jackpot with that opportunity.
Best use: Informal praise.
Other ways to say: Big win.
17. Lucky Charm
Meaning: Something believed to bring luck.
In a sentence: That ring is my lucky charm.
Best use: Personal anecdotes.
Other ways to say: Good luck token.
18. Serendipity
Meaning: Finding something good unexpectedly.
In a sentence: Their meeting was pure serendipity.
Best use: Storytelling, writing.
Other ways to say: Happy accident.
19. In Good Hands
Meaning: Likely to succeed due to support.
In a sentence: You’re in good hands, so relax.
Best use: Reassurance.
Other ways to say: Well taken care of.
20. A Stroke of Luck
Meaning: Sudden good fortune.
In a sentence: Winning that contract was a stroke of luck.
Best use: Business or life events.
Other ways to say: Lucky break.
21. Fortunes Favor the Bold
Meaning: Brave actions bring success.
In a sentence: Take the risk—fortune favors the bold.
Best use: Motivation.
Other ways to say: Be brave to succeed.
22. Silver Lining
Meaning: A positive aspect in a bad situation.
In a sentence: Losing that job had a silver lining.
Best use: Emotional reassurance.
Other ways to say: Bright side.
23. Blessed with Luck
Meaning: Naturally fortunate.
In a sentence: She’s truly blessed with luck.
Best use: Compliments.
Other ways to say: Highly fortunate.
24. May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor
Meaning: Wishing success despite challenges.
In a sentence: This project is tough, but may the odds be ever in your favor.
Best use: Light-hearted encouragement.
Other ways to say: Good luck.
25. Wishing You Every Success
Meaning: A polite and sincere good luck wish.
In a sentence: I’m wishing you every success ahead.
Best use: Professional communication.
Other ways to say: All the best.
FAQs
1. Why are idioms for good luck important?
They help express empathy, encouragement, and emotional support more naturally.
2. Can idioms be used in professional settings?
Yes, idioms like “wishing you every success” are widely accepted professionally.
3. Are these idioms suitable for writing?
Absolutely—especially in blogs, emails, and speeches for a warm tone.
4. Do idioms vary by culture?
Yes, some idioms are culture-specific, but many listed here are globally understood.
5. How can I remember idioms easily?
Use them in daily conversations and personal writing to build familiarity.
Conclusion
Using idioms for good luck adds warmth, sincerity, and emotional intelligence to your communication. From personal experience, I’ve seen how the right phrase at the right time can truly uplift someone’s spirit. By understanding their meanings and best uses, you can speak with confidence, kindness, and clarity. Whether written or spoken, these expressions help turn simple wishes into memorable moments of support and care.
Andrew Christopher is a passionate visionary who blends creativity with purpose to bring ideas to life. With a focus on innovation and integrity, he inspires growth and lasting impact.
