| Fall into one's lap |
If something good falls into your lap, it happens to you
without
any effort on your part.
"She's not making much effort to find work. Does she think a
job
will fall into her lap?" |
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A
free ride |
Someone who gets a free ride benefits from a collective activity
without participating in it.
"Only those who share the work can share the benefits -
nobody gets a free
ride!" |
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Get a second bite/ two bites
at the cherry |
This expression means that you get a second opportunity to do
or try something.
"He was eliminated in the semi-finals but
he'll get a second bite
at the cherry next year." |
|
Luck of the draw |
To
refer to something that happens as the luck of the draw means
that it is the result of pure chance, with no possibility of choice.
"The samples distributed varied in size and value; it was the luck of
the draw!" |
| Make
hay while the sun shines |
This expression
is used as an encouragement to take advantage
of a good
opportunity as long as it lasts.
Successful sportsmen are advised to make hay while the sun
shines. |
|
Murphy's
law |
Referring to Murphy's law expresses a
sentiment of bad luck and
the idea that if anything can go wrong, it will.
"We've tried to prepare for every possible incident, but remember
Murphy's law ..." |
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More by accident than (by) design |
Something which happens more by accident than (by)
design is done without deliberate intention.
"I became an interpreter more by accident than design; nobody
else could speak the language of the refugees." |
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Play a waiting game |
If you play a waiting game, you deliberately delay taking action
and wait for an opportunity to act more effectively later.
"The cat kept its eyes on the bird, carefully playing a waiting game." |
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Push one's luck |
If you push your luck, you try to get more than what you
have
already obtained and risk spoiling the situation.
"You've got your father's permission to go to the concert. Don't push
your luck by trying to borrow his car!" |
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That ship has sailed |
The expression 'that ship has sailed' means that a particular
opportunity has passed by and it's now too late.
"Is the offer this open?" "Sorry, that ship
has sailed - you missed
your chance!" |
|
Strike gold |
If you strike gold, you find exactly what you need:
satisfaction, wealth, happiness, etc.
"I think she has struck gold this time in her new job.
It suits her perfectly!" |
| Tomorrow's another
day |
This expression means that even if everything is not satisfactory
at
present, there will be opportunity for things to improve.
"For the moment you need some rest; tomorrow's another day!" |
| Touch wood/knock on wood |
This humorous expression, based on superstition, is used
to avoid bad luck, often while touching
something made of wood.
"The order will be confirmed shortly - touch wood!" |
| Vested interest |
If you have a vested interest in a situation or event, you expect
to benefit or gain an advantage from it.
"Tom has a vested interest in Jack's promotion; he hopes to get his job." |
| Waiting in the
wings |
If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an
opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in
their job or position.
"There are many young actors waiting in the wings, ready to show
their talent." |
| While the going is good |
If you take an action while the going is good, you do something
before the situation changes and it becomes impossible.
"There's a 50% discount on subscriptions this month. I think
I'll subscribe while the going is good." |
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