Meaning of Idiom ‘Beginner’s Luck’
Beginner’s luck refers to the success of a beginner at something; the unexpected success of a novice that seems unattributable to skill or cunning, similar to ‘dumb luck.’
Usage Notes
The idiom beginner’s luck is something that is said to ‘brush away’ the seemingly undeserved success of a novice. It has no real meaning or significance and should be treated as a rhetorical or offhand comment.
Sentence Examples
“Don’t get cocky. You only won one hand of poker. It’s just beginner’s luck.”
“When I won the first match, my cousin called it beginner’s luck. When I kept winning, he just got angry and refused to play anymore.”
“Anyone can get a strike in bowling once in a while. I put it down to beginner’s luck.”
“This is the first cake I ever made and it turned out perfect! Of course, my mother-in-law called it beginner’s luck.”
“I won my first marathon. It has to be beginner’s luck.”
Origin
Used since the late 1800s.
