slice of bad luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slice of bad luck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unfortunate event or situation that is perceived as a minor setback or misfortune. Example: "Losing my wallet on vacation was just a slice of bad luck, but I managed to enjoy the rest of my trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Drifting inevitably into extra-time – a very unwelcome half an hour for United – there was just one last slice of bad luck to be dished out by the footballing Gods.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bit of bad luck, Hoggard.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a combination of bad luck and bad management.

The New York Times

An individual case of bad luck?

The New York Times

"It's a bit of bad luck".

The Guardian

"He had a lifetime of good luck and a moment of bad luck," Alderson said.

The New York Times - Sports

The headcount is another bit of bad luck.

The Economist

She also experienced a lot of bad luck.

Independent

It has certainly had its fair share of bad luck.

The Economist

A close call, another bit of bad luck.

The New York Times

Was he simply a victim of bad luck?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slice of bad luck" to downplay a negative event, suggesting it's a minor setback within a larger context. This is useful in narratives to maintain a light tone despite unfortunate circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "slice of bad luck" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can diminish its impact and sound repetitive. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement. Consider using alternatives like "iota of misfortune" or "hint of misfortune".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slice of bad luck" functions as a noun phrase that acts as an object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a specific instance of misfortune, often implying that it is relatively minor or part of a larger series of events. Ludwig AI confirms this usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

23%

Sport

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slice of bad luck" is a noun phrase used to describe a small, isolated instance of misfortune. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning and usage are correct. It's most commonly found in news and media, though its neutral, slightly informal tone makes it versatile for various contexts. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "iota of misfortune". Remember to use "slice of bad luck" to downplay negativity and indicate resilience in the face of minor setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

iota of misfortune

Emphasizes a very small amount of bad luck.

dash of adversity

Focuses on a small amount of hardship or trouble.

smidgen of ill fortune

Highlights the insignificance of the bad luck.

hint of misfortune

Suggests a subtle or slight amount of bad luck.

touch of hardship

Indicates a mild degree of difficulty or suffering.

speck of trouble

Underlines the minimal impact of the unlucky event.

shade of difficulty

Focuses on a slight degree of challenge.

degree of adversity

Emphasizes the measurement of bad luck suffered.

element of misfortune

Points out a single, distinct factor of bad luck.

instance of unfavorable circumstances

Offers a more formal way to describe an isolated case of bad luck.

FAQs

How can I use "slice of bad luck" in a sentence?

"Slice of bad luck" is used to describe a small or isolated instance of misfortune. For example: "Drifting inevitably into extra-time – a very unwelcome half an hour for United – there was just one last "slice of bad luck" to be dished out by the footballing Gods."

What's a similar phrase to "slice of bad luck"?

Alternatives to "slice of bad luck" include "iota of misfortune", "dash of adversity", or "smidgen of ill fortune".

Is "slice of bad luck" a formal expression?

"Slice of bad luck" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for casual conversation or writing. More formal contexts might benefit from phrases like "instance of unfavorable circumstances".

Can "slice of bad luck" be used to describe serious misfortunes?

While "slice of bad luck" can describe misfortune, its use is more appropriate for minor or isolated instances. Using it for serious situations may diminish the gravity of the event. A more appropriate phrase for a serious misfortune would be "bout of bad luck".