Meaning of Idiom ‘Dumb Luck’
When something is attributed to dumb luck, it means that it happened completely by chance without being expected, planned, or deserved.
Compare to beginner’s luck.
Sentence Examples
“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It was dumb luck.”
“He became an anchor through dumb luck when he had to substitute for a sick colleague. But, it was his popularity with the audience that kept him in the seat.”
“How did that tornado miss us? It was heading straight for the house!” said Ali. “Just dumb luck, I guess,” replied Robert.
“It was only dumb luck that kept me from being at the bank during the robbery. I was only a few minutes away when I was delayed by a fender bender that happened on the street in front of me.”
Origin
Dumb luck is similar to other expressions used since the mid-1800s like blind luck or pure luck. Also used was dumb chance. The word dumb is used in its older sense, meaning without speech or voiceless, and thus nonsensible or meaningless.
