# thank one's lucky stars

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/thank-ones-lucky-stars
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be grateful, feel oneself fortunate, consider oneself lucky (especially in avoiding some calamity).

## Examples

- I thank my lucky stars that I found my lost keys.
- He thanks his lucky stars for his supportive family.
- They thank their lucky stars that the storm missed their house.
- After the car skidded on the ice but stopped safely, I thanked my lucky stars.
- You should thank your lucky stars that the manager decided to give you a second chance after that mistake.
- We thanked our lucky stars when the rain stopped just as we began walking to the outdoor wedding.
- I thank my lucky stars that I backed up my computer files right before the hard drive crashed and I lost everything.
- She thanked her lucky stars that she had missed the train, which was later involved in a serious accident.

## Origin

The expression arises from the astrological conviction that the alignment of the stars determines the quality of one's fortune. It reflects a traditional reliance on celestial positioning to account for favourable outcomes, suggesting that a lack of misfortune is a matter of astronomical arrangement rather than personal agency.

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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.