hand of fate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hand of fate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the idea that events are determined by destiny or a higher power. Example: "It was the hand of fate that brought them together at that moment." Alternative expressions include "force of destiny," "power of fate," and "hand of destiny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Schoenberg's first theatrical works the one-act Erwartung (1909, first performed 1924; Expectation, single-character libretto by Marie Pappenheim) and the one-act "drama with music" Die glückliche Hand (1924; "The Hand of Fate," his own libretto)—are atonal, thickly Romantic, even Expressionistic (intentionally distorted, so as to express intense and often exaggerated or disquieting emotions).

Encyclopedia Britannica

21 (1912); Die glückliche Hand, Op. 18 (1924; "The Hand of Fate"), drama with music; and the unfinished oratorio Die Jakobsleiter (begun 1917; "Jacob's Ladder").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also note the hand of fate.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, those so inclined might see the hand of fate at work.

The New York Times - Arts

He is director, character, self, commentator and the hand of fate.

The New York Times - Books

Then the hand of fate interceded, in the form of Wendi Deng.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

'I've always been in the hands of fate.

The Guardian - Music

But I was prepared to put myself into the hands of fate.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's in the hands of fate," one veteran player, Jan Geiger, 50, said of the finale.

The New York Times

Downstairs in the Linbury Studio, injustice at the nameless hands of fate was played out to a different tune.

The Guardian - Music

When I walk away, after I've photographed and left them, I am putting my characters in the hands of fate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hand of fate" when you want to imply that an event or situation was predetermined or unavoidable. It's particularly effective in narratives where characters feel powerless against external forces.

Common error

Avoid using "hand of fate" as a cop-out to evade responsibility for actions or decisions. While it can explain unforeseen circumstances, it shouldn't excuse negligence or poor planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hand of fate" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the external power believed to control events. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hand of fate" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to attribute events to an external force, implying inevitability or predetermination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to avoid misattributing responsibility and using it as a mere excuse. Related phrases like "twist of fate" or "act of providence" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. Be mindful of the context and communicative purpose when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twist of fate

Focuses on the unexpected nature of events.

act of providence

Emphasizes a divine or benevolent intervention.

stroke of luck

Highlights the role of chance or good fortune.

course of destiny

Suggests an inevitable progression of events.

workings of destiny

Highlights the mysterious and complex ways in which fate operates.

unforeseen circumstances

Focuses on the unexpected nature of events, often implying a lack of control.

kismet

Implies a preordained and inevitable connection or outcome.

divine intervention

Highlights the involvement of a higher power in influencing events.

force majeure

Emphasizes an uncontrollable and disruptive event.

wheel of fortune

Emphasizes the cyclical and unpredictable nature of life's events.

FAQs

How can I use "hand of fate" in a sentence?

You can use "hand of fate" to describe events seemingly predetermined. For example, "It seemed the "hand of fate" had guided them together despite the odds".

What does the idiom "hand of fate" mean?

The idiom "hand of fate" refers to the belief that external forces determine events and outcomes, rather than individual control or chance.

What's the difference between "hand of fate" and "act of God"?

"Hand of fate" generally refers to any force determining events, while "act of God" typically refers to natural disasters or events beyond human control and attributed to a divine power.

Are there alternative expressions to "hand of fate"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "twist of fate", "stroke of luck", or "act of providence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.