luck of the draw

Idioms and Phrases

Pure chance, as in It isn't anyone's fault—it's just the luck of the draw . This expression alludes to the random drawing of a playing card. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

And on Sunday afternoon, instead of receiving the good news that Johnson and Co. might have expected, the luck of the draw left Sparks representative Rickea Jackson gasping in disbelief instead of cheering in glee.

From Los Angeles Times

The WB in the call letters led people to conclude it was a deliberate “get” for Warner Brothers, but it was the luck of the draw.

From Los Angeles Times

“There is no one reason as to why it got voted through this time, it’s luck of the draw.”

From Los Angeles Times

You might say the luck of the draw has been with Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup up to this point, with both of their opponents coming from League 2.

From BBC

The start by Yip, the 2021 U.S. women’s champ, was particularly impressive as, by the luck of the draw, she faced four of her top rivals in the first four rounds, drawing with Tokhirjonova and top-seeded GM Irina Krush and defeating defending champion FM Jennifer Yu and rising star FM Alice Lee.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• gambling
• raffle
• sweepstake