rely on luck

USAGE SUMMARY

"rely on luck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to depending on chance rather than ability or care. For example, "We can't just rely on luck if we want to succeed in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Don't rely on luck.

The New York Times

Either that or rely on luck and brute strength.

The Guardian - Tech

Even successful boomerangers rely on luck as well as on talent.

The New Yorker

We were lucky, but there's no need to rely on luck.

The New York Times

Spend $4 million on a horse, as Sekiguchi did, and you rely on luck?

The New York Times - Sports

"And we're forced to rely on luck as a means of getting a good education".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

This one admittedly relies on luck or judgement.

The Guardian - Money

Whatever the solution, there needs to be one, because the sport cannot keep relying on luck, or allowing politics to get in the way of what matters.

BBC

So, relying on luck and good humor, that is what the newspaper did.

The New York Times

Organizations that depend on a succession of charismatic leaders are essentially relying on luck.

Harvard Business Review

Yet without a plan you are relying on luck and circumstance to make yourself more effective.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of preparation and skill, contrast it with the phrase "rely on luck" to highlight the benefits of a proactive approach.

Common error

Don't assume that short-term success achieved by chance will always be repeatable. Strategic planning and consistent effort are crucial for long-term achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rely on luck" functions as a verb phrase, indicating dependence on chance or fortune. It's used to describe situations where outcomes are uncertain and not entirely within one's control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rely on luck" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase that signifies dependence on chance rather than skill or planning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it also sees usage in Academia and Formal & Business settings. Alternatives include "depend on chance" or "trust to fortune". It's often used to caution against passivity and emphasize the importance of strategic preparation over mere hope for good fortune. However, one should avoid assuming that any short-term achievements came to be through chance are sustainable in the long run.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on chance

Emphasizes the element of randomness and unpredictability.

trust to fortune

Implies a belief that outcomes are determined by destiny.

leave it to fate

Suggests a passive acceptance of whatever may happen.

gamble on serendipity

Highlights the hope for fortunate coincidences.

bank on a fluke

Focuses on the possibility of an unexpected, positive event.

count on a windfall

Specifies the hope for sudden, unexpected good fortune.

take a chance

Suggests a calculated risk with uncertain outcomes.

hope for the best

Expresses optimism without concrete action.

trust in providence

Indicates reliance on divine intervention.

play the odds

Implies an understanding of probabilities and risk.

FAQs

What does it mean to "rely on luck"?

To "rely on luck" means to depend on chance or good fortune rather than skill, effort, or planning to achieve a desired outcome.

How can I use "rely on luck" in a sentence?

You might say, "We can't just "rely on luck"; we need a solid strategy to succeed." or "The company's growth shouldn't "rely on luck" but on careful market analysis."

What are some alternatives to "rely on luck"?

Alternatives include "depend on chance", "trust to fortune", or "leave it to fate". Each alternative has slightly different connotations regarding the degree of control or passivity.

Is it better to "rely on luck" or on a well-thought-out plan?

While luck can play a role, it is generally better to "rely on strategy" and planning because these provide a more predictable and controllable path to success. Depending solely on chance is often unreliable.