# better luck next time

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/better-luck-next-time
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

## Examples

- You lost the game, but better luck next time.
- After he missed the final shot of the match, his coach patted his shoulder and said, better luck next time.
- Although she failed the audition, the director offered a kind smile and told her better luck next time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.