Definition

Noun: - A humorous axiom stating that anything that can go wrong will go wrong: This principle suggests a pessimistic or ironic view of events, where the worst possible outcome or the most inconvenient mishap is likely to occur, especially at the worst possible time.

Usage

• Sod's law is used to comment on frustrating or unfortunate coincidences. It is often invoked after a minor, annoying event happens, implying it was predictable due to this universal "law."
• It is typically used in informal, conversational English, primarily in British and Commonwealth English. The equivalent in American English is often "Murphy's Law."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used to personify misfortune:
• It can be applied to systemic or repeated failures:

Variants and Related Words

• Murphy's Law (noun): The American English equivalent of "sod's law," with the same meaning: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

Synonyms

• The perversity of the universe: A more formal, philosophical phrase expressing a similar idea of inherent misfortune.
• The law of unintended consequences: Focuses on outcomes, often negative, that were not foreseen.

Related Idioms

• If anything can go wrong, it will: This is the explicit statement of the principle behind "sod's law."
• Just my luck: A personal exclamation used when something unfortunate happens, often implying the speaker is a victim of "sod's law."

Noun

1. humorous axiom stating that anything that can go wrong will go wrong