Luck & Chance

Meaning

Something that happens purely by chance, without anyone controlling the outcome.

Example

"I ended up in the smallest hotel room, but that was just the luck of the draw."

Conversation questions

• Can you think of a situation in your life that was simply the luck of the draw?
• Do you usually accept random outcomes easily, or do you prefer having control?

Meaning

An unexpected piece of good fortune that helps you a lot.

Example

"Finding that job advert the day before applications closed was a real stroke of luck."

Conversation questions

• What has been a stroke of luck for you recently?
• Do you believe success is mostly hard work, or does luck play a big part too?

Meaning

Having a period of bad luck, often with money, work, or personal problems.

Example

"He was down on his luck after losing his job and having to move out of his flat."

Conversation questions

• Have you ever been down on your luck for a while? How did you get through it?
• How can people support a friend who is down on their luck without being patronising?

Meaning

Unusual success that someone has the first time they try something.

Example

"She won her first ever game of darts, but she said it was probably just beginner's luck."

Conversation questions

• Have you ever experienced beginner's luck when trying a new hobby or sport?
• Do you think beginner's luck is real, or is it just something people say?

Meaning

To take too many risks after already being lucky, and possibly cause trouble.

Example

"You got permission to leave early once already, so don't push your luck and ask again."

Conversation questions

• When do people usually push their luck at work or in relationships?
• Are you someone who knows when to stop, or do you sometimes push your luck?

Meaning

By chance, often in a way that is surprising, convenient, or unfortunate.

Example

"As luck would have it, the one person I needed to speak to was sitting right next to me."

Conversation questions

• Can you tell a story that begins with "as luck would have it"?
• Do chance encounters usually lead to interesting things in your life, or not really?