luck of the Irish
Emerald Isle serendipity
Luck of the Irish is an ironic expression for good fortune, often used when someone narrowly escapes disaster or stumbles into success.
The phrase carries a sardonic edge—Irish history being marked more by famine, oppression, and hardship than by luck.
Today it's used both sincerely and with wry awareness of the contradiction: With the luck of the Irish, he found a parking spot right out front.
Mischievous Irish sprite
- shamrockThree-leafed Irish emblem
- four-leaf cloverRare fortunate plant variant
- pot of goldLegendary treasure trove
- rainbowRefracted light arc
banshee · faeries · Tuatha Dé Danann · druids · Samhain · Fionn mac Cumhaill · Celtic myths · bard
Unanticipated lucky gain
- jackpotAccumulated gambling prize
- serendipityAccidental fortunate discovery
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
- prosperityGood fortune, success
boon · fluke · kismet · golden opportunity · charmed life · fortunate · auspicious · providence
Curved metal hoof protector
- rabbit's footSupposed good-luck amulet
- talismanMagical protective charm
- amuletWorn protective token
- pennyOne-cent piece
wishbone · crossed fingers · knock on wood · evil eye · blessing · good omen
Irish cultural holiday in March
- greenColor of vegetation
- GuinnessIrish dry stout brand
- pubLicensed drinking establishment
- craicIrish word for fun
Dublin · fiddle · jig · Riverdance · brogue · soda bread · shamrock shake · paddy
leprechaun
Mischievous Irish sprite
- shamrockThree-leafed Irish emblem
- four-leaf cloverRare fortunate plant variant
- pot of goldLegendary treasure trove
rainbow · banshee · faeries · Tuatha Dé Danann · druids · Samhain · Fionn mac Cumhaill · Celtic myths · bard · fairy fort
windfall
Unanticipated lucky gain
- jackpotAccumulated gambling prize
- serendipityAccidental fortunate discovery
- blessingPrayer seeking divine favor
prosperity · boon · fluke · kismet · golden opportunity · charmed life · fortunate · auspicious · providence · against the odds
horseshoe
Curved metal hoof protector
- rabbit's footSupposed good-luck amulet
- talismanMagical protective charm
- amuletWorn protective token
penny · wishbone · crossed fingers · knock on wood · evil eye · blessing · good omen
St. Patrick's Day
Irish cultural holiday in March
craic · Dublin · fiddle · jig · Riverdance · brogue · soda bread · shamrock shake · paddy
- Irish-AmericanSouthie, South Boston, Ellis Island, potato famine, immigration wave
luck of the Irishbad luck
Unfavorable chance events
misfortune · Murphy's Law · curse · jinx · hard luck
luck of the IrishGerman precision
Stereotype of exacting craftsmanship
Protestant work ethic · Swiss precision · hard work · merit · diligence
luck, lucky, luckily, luckless, unlucky, unluckily, luckier, luckiest, other