ENGLISH
REFERENCE

luck of the draw

idiom
Meaning

The random production or occurrence of favorable or unfavorable results.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to the random manner in which objects (such as playing cards, straws, or marbles) are distributed, drawn, or withdrawn (from a card deck, bag, or other container) in many games of chance (such as card games).

Examples
SIMPLE

Winning this game is just the luck of the draw.

CONTEXTUAL

You cannot choose your seat on the plane, so it is just the luck of the draw.

COMPLEX

Whether one is born into wealth or poverty remains, in many respects, merely the luck of the draw.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as luck may have it

    Synonym of as luck would have it (“by chance, luckily”).

  2. 02

    be in luck

    To be lucky in getting something that one wants.

  3. 03

    better luck next time

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

  4. 04

    devil's luck

    astounding good luck.

  5. 05

    down on one's luck

    Unlucky or undergoing a period of bad luck, especially with respect to financial matters.

  6. 06

    draw a blank

    To be unable to recall a required piece of information.

  7. 07

    draw a line

    To delimit a boundary or border.

  8. 08

    draw a long bow

    To lie; to exaggerate.

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