50 Creative Ways to Say Good Luck

Casual Alternatives to Good Luck

Use idioms to casually wish close friends good luck before events. When talking to close friends or family, it’s appropriate to swap an idiom for the simple phrase “good luck.” An idiom often feels more personal and more powerful than “good luck” because it conveys dramatic imagery. Say or send these messages to people you’re close to before a performance, a sports game, or even a big test. Break a leg! – An idiom originating in the theater, where superstition held that saying “good luck” to a performer would bring them bad luck. Go get ‘em! Crush it! Knock ‘em dead. – While it sounds morbid, this idiom simply encourages someone to wow others with their performance. Show them what you’re made of. Blow them away! Fingers crossed for you. If you’re sending your idiom via text or email, add lucky emojis like the four-leaf clover ????, the horseshoe-shaped magnet ????, and crossed fingers ????.

Wish family and friends good luck by affirming their abilities. When you say “good luck,” some people may perceive it as sarcastic. They might think the phrase implies that events are out of their control. Instead of saying “good luck,” send well wishes their way with a phrase that focuses on their effort and abilities rather than chance. You’ve got this! You’re ready for this. You’re going to kill it. You were made for this. You’ve put in the work. Here’s hoping it’s rewarded!

Swap “good luck” for a phrase that conveys the same meaning. Get creative with a synonym or similar phrase that expresses your well wishes for friends and family. It never hurts to try out a new saying when you’re tired of writing or telling others “Good luck!” Best of luck! Sending good vibes your way. Manifesting good luck for you. May fortune smiles on you, friend! – An idiom that suggests when fortune ‘smiles,’ someone experiences good luck. Wishing you so many blessings.

Professional Ways to Say Good Luck

Use a formal phrase to wish your boss or colleagues good luck. In the workplace, a formal tone is often expected and encouraged. Instead of telling your boss or coworker to “break a leg” when they announce they’re retiring or leaving the company, say “good luck” in a more formal manner. This way, your intent isn’t misunderstood and you’re seen as polite and professional. Wishing you good luck in all your future endeavors. Etiquette coach Tami Claytor agrees this message is appropriate for most occasions—for example, a promotion, a retirement, or a change in career paths. Best of luck on your presentation/in your new role. Wishing you all the best. I wish you success in your future endeavors.

Send informal phrases of encouragement to close team members. When you’re talking in the workplace with someone who isn’t a superior (such as a boss or supervisor), it’s okay to be more casual. Just make sure you know the person well enough to send them an informal “good luck” message. When in doubt, a generic “Wishing you the best of luck” greeting is best. Looking forward to your success at [new company]/in your new role. Rooting for you! I know you’ll achieve great things.

Politely wish good luck in an academic setting with a positive message. At the end of the school year and especially near graduation, teachers, professors, and students often wish each other good luck. Say or email one of these polite, positive send-offs to your peers, graduating students, or retiring/leaving educators to let them know you wish them good luck. For Students: Good luck in all your future endeavors. Wishing you the best as you continue on your academic journey. Good luck! May your hard work continue to pay off. Best of luck in your next grade. For Teachers or Professors: Wishing you success in your future endeavors. Best of luck at your new school/in your new position. Sending good luck to you on your continuing professional journey. Best wishes as you begin your new chapter.

Funny Ways to Say Good Luck

Use a pop culture reference or informal expression to wish friends luck. If your close friends and family are into pop culture, use a reference to a film or book to amuse them when sending well wishes. Alternatively, send a humorous message that says “good luck”—and might also make them laugh. Pop Culture References: ”May the odds be ever in your favor.” – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ”May the force be with you.” – Star Wars ”Good Luck, Babe!” – From the song of the same name by Chappell Roan ”Luck be a lady tonight.” — “Luck Be A Lady” by Frank Sinatra Humorous Expressions I’m betting it all on you! No pressure. Don’t forget to wear your lucky socks today. Say “good luck with that” sarcastically when referring to unpleasant tasks. For example, if someone tells you they have to bathe their dog who doesn’t like to be bathed, you could say, “Haha, good luck with that!”

Serious Ways to Say Good Luck

Offer thoughtful well wishes to loved ones going through serious events. The phrase “good luck” feels inadequate when someone is facing a serious event like a surgery or recovery from sickness. They may also be struggling with a job interview or a high-stakes performance review. Wish them good luck with a phrase that’s thoughtful and respectful of the pressure they may be under. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. You’re going to do great. I’m hopeful you will get through this. Sending my best wishes to you in this trying time. May everything work in your favor. EXPERT TIP Tami Claytor Tami Claytor Etiquette Coach Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. Tami Claytor Tami Claytor Etiquette Coach Give encouragement to someone facing a serious surgery. You don't have to be somber, but you want to be more serious and encouraging than simply saying, "Good luck!" For example, say, "Everything is going to work out." You can also send balloons, flowers, or cards.

Ways to Say Good Luck Around the World

Borrow a “good luck” phrase from another language. If you’re visiting a new country or chatting with a close friend, say “good luck” in the native language as a sign of respect or consideration. Learn idioms for good luck in other languages to avoid being culturally insensitive. A phrase like “break a leg” may not translate well and could even be perceived as offensive. ”Good luck” in Different Languages Bonne chance (French) Buena suerte (Spanish) Viel glück (German) Buona fortuna (Italian) 화이팅 pronounced hwaiting (Korean/informal) – This phrase is Korean-style English for “fighting.” It means the same thing as “cheer up” or “good luck” in English. Idioms for “Good Luck” Around the World In bocca al lupo (Italian) – This phrase translates to “into the wolf’s mouth” in English. It’s a common idiom in theater, like “break a leg” is in English. 加油 pronounced jiā yóu (Chinese) – These characters translate to “add oil.” This is an informal way to wish good luck in Chinese, like saying “Go for it!” or “Let’s go!” in English. Ich drücke dir die Daumen. (German) – This saying translates to “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.” Literally, it means “I’ll press my thumbs for you.” It’s usually said while doing the accompanying action with your hands—either pressing your thumbs down with your hands in fists or crossing your middle finger over your pointer finger.