luck on your side

USAGE SUMMARY

"luck on your side" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where someone has achieved success due to good fortune. For example, "With luck on his side, John managed to get a job in the competitive field of finance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"You had luck on your side," Evans replied.

The Guardian

"Sometimes it's better to have luck on your side than talent," Wakefield said.

The New York Times - Sports

But in order to have a perfect season, you have to have a lot of luck on your side".

The New York Times - Sports

"You need a bit of luck on your side and we are not getting that at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes in the Tour you just need luck on your side, and that's something you simply can't account for.

The Guardian - Sport

"So it made sense for me to attack in all races, and with the necessary luck on your side, you can reach anything," Hirscher said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is possible to beat Pokémon with higher CP if type or luck is on your side, however, but big differences in CP are almost impossible to overcome.

The Guardian - Tech

If you can be outplayed to this extent and still take home all three points it can only mean luck is on your side.

The Guardian - Sport

Wherever you go, may Lady Luck be on your side.

Forbes

If you're searching for property in Tampa, luck is on your side.

Forbes

When luck is on your side it is not the time to be modest or timid.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "luck on your side" to describe situations where chance or favorable conditions contribute to success, rather than solely attributing outcomes to skill or effort.

Common error

Avoid implying that success is solely due to "luck on your side". Acknowledge the role of hard work, skill, and preparation, even when acknowledging good fortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "luck on your side" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that someone is experiencing favorable circumstances or good fortune. Ludwig AI shows its use in various contexts, ranging from sports to business, illustrating its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "luck on your side" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where chance or favorable circumstances contribute to success. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing the phrase's prevalence in news, media, and general contexts. While it's not the most frequent expression, alternatives like "fortune favors you" or "you're in luck" offer similar meanings. When using the phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge the interplay between effort and chance, avoiding the implication that success is solely luck-dependent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you're in luck

A more concise and informal way to say someone is experiencing good fortune.

fortune favors you

Replaces "luck" with "fortune" and uses a more direct, active voice.

you have good fortune

Simple rephrasing, focusing on possessing good fortune.

fate is smiling on you

Uses "fate" instead of "luck" and personifies it as "smiling", suggesting a positive outcome is preordained.

you're blessed with good fortune

Emphasizes the blessing aspect of good fortune.

you're having a lucky streak

Implies a series of fortunate events.

things are breaking your way

Focuses on events unfolding favorably for the person.

the stars are aligned for you

Uses a metaphorical reference to astrology to suggest favorable conditions.

success is within your grasp

Focuses on the attainable nature of success due to favorable circumstances.

providence is with you

Replaces "luck" with "providence", implying divine favor.

FAQs

How can I use "luck on your side" in a sentence?

You can use "luck on your side" to describe a situation where someone is successful due to fortunate circumstances. For example, "With "luck on your side", you might win the lottery", or "They managed to win the game because they had "luck on their side"".

What's a more formal way to say "luck on your side"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "fortune favors you", or "providence is with you". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a more elevated tone. Note that "providence is with you" implies a religious connotation.

What's the difference between "luck on your side" and "being lucky"?

"Luck on your side" typically describes a specific situation where fortune plays a role, while "being lucky" refers to a general characteristic or tendency to experience favorable outcomes. For instance, "He had "luck on his side" during the competition", versus "He's a lucky person".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "luck on your side"?

Use "luck on your side" when you want to emphasize that chance or external factors contributed significantly to a positive outcome. Avoid using it when success is solely attributable to skill or effort.