trusting to luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trusting to luck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to relying on chance or fortune rather than planning or preparation. Example: "Instead of preparing for the exam, he was just trusting to luck that he would remember the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Half-meritocracy and half crap-shoot, Las Vegas is, as Dave Hickey has pointed out, the only city in America where the odds against you are all posted in plain sight, literally and metaphorically – which is why trusting to luck here is an act of such brazen and doomed optimism that it makes for a good story, even when you lose.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In poorer places, the temptation is to trust to luck.

The Economist

Bananas OK; oranges OK.' Other than that, he trusts to luck.

The Guardian - Books

Do not trust to luck! Try instead our Turriff muck! – you could turn off for Balmedie, and the beach.

The Guardian - Travel

All the would-be novelist can do is trust to luck, take the nearest pattern, and hope that it resembles someone else's.

The New Yorker

"Los Angeles wants no dudes, loafers and paupers; people who have no means and trust to luck," the new citizen announced in an early editorial, already shedding his previous skin, his middle-aged skin, the skin of a person who had formerly had no means and trusted to luck.

The New Yorker

At European jazz festivals, E.S.T. could lay waste to great American jazz bands that preceded or followed them on the same stage simply by having their tones always dialed in correctly while the other bands trusted to luck and the local engineer.

The New Yorker

In Mancini and City's current position, and there is still so much to play for, he cannot simply trust to luck and the hope Balotelli will deliver for him.

BBC

If you have a plausible way out of your predicament, don't trust to luck, only your actions will save you.

WikiHow

Not surprisingly, a moment arrives when Elliot casts off his "factory-set" anxieties, a hard-cased set of Western assumptions, and trusts to luck and his own good sense.

The New York Times - Books

If you can't find one where these three-wheeled taxis are swarming, you are forced to wait in monsoon rains or summer heat trusting your luck to a chance encounter.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trusting to luck" when you want to convey that someone is relying on chance rather than careful planning or preparation. It's suitable when highlighting the risk or uncertainty involved in a situation.

Common error

Avoid "trusting to luck" as a primary strategy in situations where careful planning and execution are essential. Relying solely on luck can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trusting to luck" functions as a verbal phrase indicating reliance on chance or fortune rather than planning or skill. This usage aligns with Ludwig's examples, which illustrate scenarios where individuals or entities depend on favorable outcomes without assured strategies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trusting to luck" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey reliance on chance rather than planning. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While not overly common, this phrase finds its place in news, general writing, and, to a lesser extent, scientific contexts. It serves the communicative purpose of highlighting uncertainty and risk, suggesting dependence on favorable outcomes without assured strategies. When writing, it is best to use "trusting to luck" to emphasize the role of chance while considering the importance of solid planning for optimal results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relying on chance

Emphasizes the dependence on unpredictable events instead of preparation.

depending on fortune

Highlights the influence of luck or destiny in achieving a desired outcome.

taking a gamble

Focuses on the risk involved in trusting luck, similar to a bet.

leaving it to fate

Suggests a passive acceptance of whatever outcome occurs.

chancing it

A more informal way of saying trusting to luck, implying a willingness to take a risk.

hoping for the best

Implies a positive outlook while acknowledging uncertainty.

trusting in serendipity

Focuses on the belief that fortunate accidents will lead to a positive outcome.

taking your chances

Suggests accepting the risks that come with an uncertain situation.

leaving it to potluck

Emphasizes the randomness and unpredictability of the outcome.

winging it

Implies improvising and proceeding without a detailed plan, relying on spontaneous actions.

FAQs

How can I use "trusting to luck" in a sentence?

You can use "trusting to luck" to describe situations where someone relies on chance rather than planning. For example: "Instead of studying, he was just trusting to luck that he would pass the exam."

What is a similar phrase to "trusting to luck"?

Alternatives to "trusting to luck" include "relying on chance", "depending on fortune", or "taking a gamble".

Is it better to be prepared or to go "trusting to luck"?

Preparation is generally more reliable than "trusting to luck". While luck can play a role, a solid plan increases the chances of a successful outcome.

What's the difference between "trusting to luck" and "being optimistic"?

"Trusting to luck" implies relying on chance without necessarily expecting a positive outcome, while being optimistic means having a positive expectation, even in the face of uncertainty. You can hope for the best without simply "relying on chance".