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Third time lucky

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

11 December 2026

Third time lucky

We use this expression to sound hopeful after two negative or unlucky experiences.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: Yes

Informal: Yes

Example 1

I called on Monday and he was busy. Then on Tuesday he was ill.

Third time lucky.

Example 2

I've taken my driving test twice before. I failed both times.

Third time lucky.

I hope so.

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