luck into
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive, informal, North American English) To acquire or obtain something desirable by chance or good fortune, rather than through planning or effort. It implies a sudden, unexpected, and fortunate acquisition.
Usage
This verb is used to describe situations where someone gains a beneficial opportunity, object, or outcome purely by accident or serendipity. It is often used in the past tense. The structure is typically: Subject + lucked into + [object/opportunity].
Examples
- He lucked into a great apartment when a friend suddenly moved out of the city.
- She didn't even apply for the job; she just lucked into it after meeting the CEO at a conference.
- We really lucked into perfect weather for our outdoor wedding.
Advanced Usage
- Passive Voice: While less common, the passive form can be used to emphasize the object gained.
- That rare first-edition book was lucked into at a small garage sale.
- Gerund/Noun Form: The action can be described as "lucking into" something.
- His entire career was built on lucking into one big break.
Variants and Related Words
- Luck out (verb, intransitive): To be very lucky in a general situation. (e.g., ) Note: "Luck out" is intransitive (does not take a direct object), while "luck into" is transitive (requires a direct object).
- Serendipity (noun): The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
- Stumble upon/across (verb): To find or encounter something by chance. This is a close synonym but does not carry the same strong connotation of the discovery being highly fortunate or desirable.
Synonyms
- Stumble upon
- Come across by chance
- Chance upon
- Fall into (e.g., )
Antonyms
- Earn through hard work
- Plan for meticulously
- Strive for
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Be in the right place at the right time: This idiom describes the circumstance that allows someone to "luck into" something.
- I didn't have special skills; I was just in the right place at the right time to luck into that investment opportunity.
- A stroke of luck: A sudden piece of good fortune.
- Finding that parking spot directly in front of the store was a real stroke of luck.
Verb
- take possession of
- She entered upon the estate of her rich relatives