hinge on fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hinge on fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is dependent on luck or chance. Example: "The success of the project seems to hinge on fortune rather than careful planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

| Chase vote may hinge on director.

The New York Times

"But the party could not hinge on the fortunes of one man.

The Guardian

For a candidate whose fortunes hinge on one of the biggest nailbiters in Australian election contests, Cathy O'Toole has a useful day job to fall back into.

The Guardian

"But the game hinged on two things.

BBC

This analysis suggests that there are a number of axes of challenge in Zimbabwe, all of which hinge on improved economic fortunes.

BMC Health Services Research

For now, though, Mr. Perelman's reputation and an increasingly large share of his fortune hinge on what happens in what remains his longest-standing love affair -- with Revlon.

The New York Times

McCain says that the GOP's fortune hinge on "new ideas" and reaching out to "other ethnic aspects of the American electorate".

Huffington Post

China continues to hinge its fortunes on policy-driven domestic demand.

Forbes

Their fortunes may hinge on the battle for game developers' allegiance.

The New York Times - Tech

Shooting may be less strenuous on a pregnant body than many other sports, but it is also a sport in which fortunes can hinge on fractions of millimeters, with breathing, balance and concentration considered paramount.

The New York Times - Sports

Amtrak's fortunes also hinge on who wins the White House; Senator John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive Republican nominee, was a staunch opponent of subsidies to Amtrak when he was chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hinge on fortune", ensure that the context clearly indicates a reliance on luck or chance rather than skill or planning. Using this phrase effectively adds a layer of dramatic uncertainty to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hinge on fortune" when the outcome is primarily determined by effort, skill, or strategy. This phrase should be reserved for situations where luck is a significant factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinge on fortune" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating that the outcome of a situation is largely dependent on luck or chance. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase follows standard grammar rules. Examples demonstrate its use in contexts where external, unpredictable factors are paramount.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hinge on fortune" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to convey that an outcome is heavily reliant on luck or chance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is considered usable in written English. Although not exceptionally common, its use is consistent across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context truly reflects a dependence on luck rather than skill or planning. Alternatives like "depend on luck" or "rely on chance" may offer more precise expressions depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on luck

This alternative focuses specifically on the element of luck determining the outcome.

rely on chance

Similar to "depend on luck", this highlights the uncertainty and unpredictability involved.

be contingent on fate

This option introduces a sense of predetermination and destiny.

be subject to luck

Emphasizes the vulnerability of the situation to the whims of fortune.

be determined by fate

Similar to 'be contingent on fate', focusing on predetermination.

rest on good fortune

This indicates that the positive outcome is specifically reliant on favorable luck.

be at the mercy of luck

Highlights the lack of control and the power of luck.

be gambling on fate

Emphasizes a risky decision based on the unknown.

turn on good luck

Highlights a positive turn that is reliant on favorable luck.

hang on lady luck

This option uses a personification of luck, adding a more informal tone.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "hinge on fortune"?

It means that the outcome is largely dependent on luck or chance, rather than skill or planning.

Are there alternatives to saying something "hinges on fortune"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "depend on luck", "rely on chance", or "be contingent on fate" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hinge on fortune" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "hinge on fortune" may be more suitable for less formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "be contingent on" or "depend on" for a more professional tone.

How can I use the phrase "hinge on fortune" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence clearly conveys the idea that the result is heavily influenced by unpredictable or uncontrollable factors. For example, "The success of the venture will hinge on fortune, given the unstable market conditions".