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good luck
/ɡʊd lʌk/
a wish for success or favorable outcomes
I'm taking my driving test tomorrow. Wish me good luck!
Someone is about to take a challenging test and asks for encouragement.
informal
an expression used to wish someone success or favorable outcomes in an endeavor
Good luck with your job interview!
Someone is about to attend a job interview, and the speaker wishes them success.
We'll need good luck to win this game.
The speaker acknowledges that success in a game or competition may depend on favorable circumstances.
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to express well-wishes or encouragement.
Collocations
good luck withused to wish someone success in a specific task or situationbreak a legan alternative way to wish someone good luck, especially in performance contexts
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
While 'good luck' is generally positive, be mindful of the context. In some situations, it might be more appropriate to say 'I hope things go well' or 'I wish you success.'
Gold Rule
Use Appropriately
Avoid using 'good luck' in overly formal or serious contexts where it might seem trivial. Opt for more formal expressions like 'I wish you success' or 'I hope you achieve your goals.'
Word Origin
The phrase 'good luck' combines the adjective 'good' and the noun 'luck,' reflecting the idea of favorable circumstances or fortune. It has been used in English for centuries as a way to express well-wishes.
Usage Notes
This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal settings. It is often used to encourage someone before a challenging task or to acknowledge the role of chance in success.
Word Breakdown
good
favorable or positive
adjectiveluck
fortune or chance
nounEnglish Dictionary