IdiomDaily Life
English
Englisha stroke of luck
Meaning: A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune.
Example: “Finding a parking spot right outside was a stroke of luck.”
Origin: A "stroke" is a single sudden event, as in a stroke of lightning. The phrase is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Japanese: 棚から牡丹餅 (Tana kara botamochi) Literally: A sweet rice cake from the shelf
Korean: 호박이 넝쿨째 굴러 들어왔다 (Hobagi neongkuljjae gulleo deureowatda) Literally: A pumpkin rolled in, vine and all
More English idioms
- like chalk and cheese Completely different, though perhaps similar at first glance.
- blush to the roots of one's hair To go very red with embarrassment.
- not see beyond the end of one's nose To have a narrow outlook and ignore anything beyond one's immediate concerns.
- shut the stable door after the horse has bolted To take precautions only after the harm is done.
- kick the cat To take out one's anger on someone weaker or innocent.
- right under one's nose Very close, yet unnoticed.
Explore another collection: False Friends
Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
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