double luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double luck" is not a standard expression in written English, but it is understandable and can be used informally.
You can use it to convey the idea of having an extra amount of good fortune or favorable circumstances. Example: "Winning the lottery and finding a $100 bill on the ground in the same day felt like double luck to me."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It has proven difficult to explain why this "double luck" prevents knowledge.

SEP

Two chickens mean double luck.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hence Ssangyong is supposed to double its luck because its name means "twin dragons".

The Economist

To have two babies with one pregnancy was a miracle – double the luck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

England were then undone against the impressive hosts, Portugal, by the double bad luck of losing Rooney early and having what I will go to my grave insisting was a perfectly good goal disallowed.

The Guardian - Sport

Mad Hatter is a simple, stupid game of bluff, double bluff and blind luck.

The Guardian - Tech

From here, the film is entwined in double crosses, strokes of luck, and panicky exchanges of gunfire.

The New Yorker

Louis Van Gaal put his match-winning double substitution down to luck but his smile betrayed the fact he thought otherwise.

The Guardian - Sport

England international Theo Walcott cemented Arsenal's place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals with a fine double as Newcastle's luck deserted them.

Independent

The Code (BBC2) | iPlayer Town (BBC2) | iPlayer The Rattigan Enigma (BBC4) | iPlayer Entourage (Sky Atlantic) Spurred by the nation's sudden love for astrophysics (courtesy of dreamy brainiac Brian Cox) and to a lesser extent chemistry (that bald geezer with the goggles and explosions), it was only a matter of time before the BBC would be pushing its luck with double maths.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In what scientists described as a double-stroke of good luck, the antennas were able to convert the density of surrounding space plasma into audio signals — along with the help of two immense and well-timed solar flares.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "double luck", consider the context and whether a more common or formal expression might be more appropriate. While understandable, it is not a standard phrase in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "double luck" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse of less common expressions can make your writing sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double luck" functions as a noun phrase that refers to an amplified or multiplied instance of good fortune. Although Ludwig indicates that is not a standard expression, it is understandable and conveys the idea of having an extra amount of favorable circumstances.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Double luck" is a phrase used to describe an amplified instance of good fortune, functioning as a noun phrase. While understandable, it is not a standard expression in formal writing, as noted by Ludwig. The phrase appears with roughly equal frequency in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a relatively informal register. Ludwig’s analysis indicates that, although not incorrect, there may be more suitable alternatives depending on the writing's context. Consider using more conventional phrases like "twice as lucky" or "doubly blessed" for improved clarity and formality. Ultimately, exercise discretion when using "double luck", prioritizing clarity and appropriateness for your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twice as lucky

Emphasizes the multiplied aspect of being fortunate.

double the fortune

Focuses on the abundance of favorable circumstances.

blessed twofold

Highlights the aspect of divine favor or blessing being doubled.

fortunate in two ways

Directly states the presence of luck in two distinct aspects.

doubly blessed

Similar to 'blessed twofold' but with a slightly different emphasis.

exceptionally fortunate

Indicates an unusual degree of good luck.

incredibly lucky

Highlights the high degree of good fortune.

unusually lucky

Similar to 'exceptionally fortunate' but focuses on the atypical nature of the luck.

serendipitous twice over

Emphasizes the fortunate and unexpected nature of the luck.

a stroke of double good fortune

Highlights a sudden event bringing luck.

FAQs

What does "double luck" mean?

The expression "double luck" suggests an amplified or multiplied sense of good fortune, implying that someone is experiencing a greater degree of luck than usual.

Is "double luck" a common phrase?

While understandable, "double luck" isn't a standard or widely used phrase in formal English. Alternatives like "twice as lucky" or "doubly blessed" might be more common.

Are there better alternatives to "double luck"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use more conventional phrases like "extremely fortunate", "incredibly lucky", or "blessed twofold".

How can I use "double luck" in a sentence?

You can use "double luck" to describe a situation where someone experiences two fortunate events in close succession, or an exceptionally fortunate event that provides multiple benefits. For instance: "Winning the lottery and getting a promotion in the same week felt like "double luck"".