rest on fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rest on fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something is dependent on luck or chance rather than effort or planning. Example: "His success in the competition seemed to rest on fortune rather than skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than 100 fifth-generation PhincludingncludinGueststs, Mannings, Martins) share rest of fortune.

Forbes

I applaud the achievement and can't take that away from them, but fundamentally this project completion is a non-event". In other words, Dubai's fortunes rest on much more than the fate of a single property, no matter how tall.

Forbes

Francis encapsulated the predicament of a lot of young Jamaican athletes, whose fortunes rest on a knife edge.

The Guardian - Sport

More than a few modern fortunes rest on the suffering of human beings who once accounted for a large portion of American wealth and lived in chains here for 250 years.

The New York Times

The Rangers' future fortunes rest on how right he is.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet you get the sense that the Falcons fortunes rest on their quarterback.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus, my fortunes rest on the strength of the moral compass of whoever has found my property.

The New York Times

Cassell, who is playing in a flak jacket to protect bruised ribs, enjoys having the team's fortunes rest on his shoulders.

The New York Times - Sports

Typically — and especially at the major labels — a company's fortunes rest on a bet that a tiny number of artists will reap huge sales, supporting the rest of its roster.

The New York Times

From the start, or in time, charities' identities become wrapped up in that of the patron, their fortunes rest on the patron's generosity or their ability to secure more supporters.

The Guardian

2. Labour's fortunes rest on very thin lines - Lib Dem switchers were quite possibly a key factor in pushing the party's candidate, Liz McInnes, over the finishing line in Heywood and Middleton.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rest on fortune", ensure the context clearly indicates that the outcome is dependent on external factors outside of one's control, rather than skill or effort. For clarity, it's helpful to specify what exactly is "resting" on fortune, creating a more concrete image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "rest on fortune" when the outcome is primarily determined by hard work, skill, or strategic planning. This phrase downplays personal agency and can misrepresent the factors contributing to success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rest on fortune" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's often employed to describe situations where outcomes are heavily influenced by chance or luck, rather than skill or effort. Based on Ludwig AI's analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct, but its usage is limited.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "rest on fortune" implies that an outcome depends primarily on luck or chance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Due to the limited usage data, the frequency is considered missing. The semantic analysis suggests that "depend on luck" or "rely on chance" are good alternatives. When employing this expression, ensure that the context accurately reflects a dependence on unpredictable external factors. Avoid using the expression when skill or effort primarily determines the final result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on luck

Replaces "fortune" with the more direct term "luck", emphasizing the element of chance.

rely on chance

Similar to "depend on luck", highlighting the uncertainty involved.

hinge on luck

Indicates that the outcome is entirely determined by luck.

be subject to fate

Introduces the concept of "fate", suggesting a predetermined course of events.

be at the mercy of luck

Emphasizes the powerlessness of the individual and the control of luck.

be determined by chance

Highlights the accidental nature of the determining factor.

rest on serendipity

Replaces "fortune" with "serendipity", which means a fortunate accident.

be a matter of luck

Presents the situation as entirely controlled by luck.

be contingent on luck

Implies that success is conditional upon luck.

trust to luck

Expresses a deliberate choice to rely on luck.

FAQs

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

It means the outcome is heavily influenced by luck or chance rather than skill or deliberate action. The success or failure depends on unpredictable external factors.

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

For example, you could say, "The success of this venture seems to "depend on luck" rather than careful planning, making it a situation where our hopes "rest on fortune".

What's a more formal way to express that something "rests on fortune"?

A more formal alternative could be "is contingent on chance" or "is subject to fortuitous circumstances".

Is it better to have your success "rest on fortune" or "rest on skill"?

Ideally, success should "depend on skill", preparation, and hard work. While luck can play a role, relying solely on chance is a risky strategy.