Seven Ways to Say “Good Luck” in English

Every language has its own phrases, words, and idioms to wish people good luck. In English, even though some expressions are used more often than others, there are many different idiomatic expressions used to wish good luck that you should learn.

The idiomatic expressions are mainly used in their contracted forms. Among the most used expressions to wish the best of luck to someone are:

      Good luck!

      Break a leg!

      Knock ‘em dead!

      Blow them away!

      Best of luck!

     You’ll do great!

     Fingers crossed!

Let’s look at the context in which these expressions to wish “good luck” are used in English.

Good Luck

In English, the most simple and common way to wish someone luck and the best for the future is by saying “good luck.” This idiom can be used both in formal and informal situations as it is quite generic.

Well, good luck to you all.

Anyway, good luck with Anna.

I’m guessing he’s not wishing her good luck.

Break a leg!

This expression literally means what it says, but, although it might seem weird, it’s a good way to wish someone the best of luck. This way of wishing someone luck in English is very common in the film industry, where, out of superstition, the expression “good luck” is not used. Here are some examples that use this expression:

Break a leg! Darling, you’ll be fabulous!

Big audition tomorrow, wish me luck! Break a leg!

I know you can do it! Break a leg!

Knock ‘em dead!

“Knock ‘em dead” is the contracted form of “knock them dead,” which literally means“kill them.”While it may sound morbid, it is actually an informal way to wish good luck that can be used in many different situations, especially when you want to encourage someone.

Go down and you knock ‘em dead, okay?

Knock ‘em dead, Ron!

Knock ‘em dead in L.A.!

Blow them away!

This idiom is similar to the previous one  and is quite informal. It’s figurative meaning is “Impress them!” while it literally translates as “Shoot them!”

Your ability to negotiate will blow them away.

Go and blow them away!

Our team spirit will blow them away!

Best of luck!

The expression “best of luck” is very similar to the expression “good luck.” “Best of luck” is an expression than can be used in both formal and informal situations.

Wish you the best of luck, dear!

Best of luck in future endeavors.

I wish you all the best of luck, boys.

You’ll do great!

Another way to wish someone “good luck” and to encourage them is by using the expression “You’ll do great,” which shows your faith in what they can achieve.

I’m sure you’ll do great!

You’ll do great here in Los Angeles.

You’ll do great!

Fingers crossed!

In this case, we are dealing with an idiom used in many countries, that is based in superstition. This wish of good luck and a message of encouragement is used mostly in informal situations.

I got a bid in, so finger crossed!

Keep your fingers crossed that we come back.

I have to do the test, so fingers crossed!

As you can see, in English there are various ways of saying “good luck,” with both formal and informal expressions that show a positive attitude towards others. When used in the correct way, these expressions send sincere messages of encouragement and enthusiasm to their recipients.Do not hesitate to use them, positive energy is contagious!

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