Definition

1. Noun (fixed phrase):
   • A meal consisting of whatever food is available: "pot luck" refers to a shared meal where guests bring dishes to share, or where the host serves whatever is on hand without special preparation.
   • A situation of taking a chance or accepting whatever is available: "pot luck" can also mean accepting or choosing something without prior knowledge of its quality, leaving the outcome to chance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We're having a pot luck dinner on Saturday; everyone is bringing a dish. (A shared meal where each person contributes food.)
  • Since I didn't plan ahead, I'll just take pot luck with whatever food is in the fridge. (I will accept whatever is available without complaint.)

Advanced Usage

• "take pot luck": to accept whatever is offered or available, often in a casual or unplanned manner.

  • Come and take pot luck with us — we're just having simple leftovers. (Join us for a meal with whatever we happen to have.)

• "pot luck supper" or "pot luck party": a social gathering where each participant brings a dish to share.

  • The office is organizing a pot luck lunch next Friday. (A communal meal where colleagues bring homemade food.)

Variants and Related Words

• Potluck (n, adj): often written as one word, especially in American English.
  • We attended a potluck at the community center. (A shared meal event.)

Synonyms

• Communal meal: a meal where participants share food.
• Shared meal: a meal with contributions from many people.
• Casserole supper: a casual meal often featuring baked dishes (regional usage).

Related Idioms

• Pot luck (as a principle): accepting whatever comes without complaint or expectation.
  • When you join a new team, you have to take pot luck with your assignments. (You accept whatever tasks are given to you.)