The luck of the draw Meaning in English
expression
Definition
When something happens by chance, without any control, it's called 'the luck of the draw.' It means the outcome is random, just like picking a card from a deck.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal expression, often used when the outcome was outside anyone's control. It's commonly used with competitions, lotteries, or random assignments. Similar expressions: 'the luck of the draw', 'it's just luck', 'it's a roll of the dice'. Not about skill or effort.
Example Sentences
Who got the last ticket? It was just the luck of the draw.
basic
We didn't pick our seats; it was the luck of the draw.
basic
Sometimes winning is just the luck of the draw.
basic
You can't control which team you get—it's the luck of the draw.
natural
I ended up in the hardest class, but that's the luck of the draw.
natural
Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don’t—it’s just the luck of the draw.
natural