🍀 Beginner’s Luck: The Unexpected Joy of First Tries 🎲
Definition
Success from an endeavor tried for the first time. The term dates from the late 1800s and soon was used enough to become a cliché.
Usage
“She said she’d never made a soufflé before but it turned out perfectly. Beginner’s luck, I guess.”
Synonyms
- Serendipity
- First-time fortune
- Newbie’s knack
- Novice’s boon
Antonyms
- Tough luck
- Treading water
- Learning curve
Related Expressions
- “Hitting it out of the park on the first swing”
- “First time’s the charm” (similar to “Third time’s the charm”)
- “Luck of the rookie”
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “When people say I’ve got beginner’s luck, I take it as a compliment like I am expected to fail.” – Anon
- “Beginner’s luck is nature’s way of ensuring you come back for seconds.” – Sporadic Sage
Proverbs
- “Fortune favors the bold.”
- This touches on the similar notion that luck tends to favor those who take risks.
In Literature
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – Who can forget Scout’s impressive, albeit short-lived, knack for understanding complex trial proceedings on her first attempt observing?
- “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – Katniss Everdeen: Not necessarily a beginner, but her first appearance in the Games certainly had elements of luck.
In Music
- “Beginner’s Luck” by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – A track celebrating the notion of stumbling into success.
In Movies
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) – Will Smith shines in a debut stockbroker scene, embodying sheer determination complemented by a streak of beginner’s luck.
Inspirational Farewell
And so, in your pursuits where fate nudges you toward the unknown, may Beginner’s Luck be your faithful companion. Dare to try, for stories are not merely written by the skilled but also by those bold enough to begin.
### Which term means achieving success on the first try?
- [x] Beginner's luck
- [ ] Old pro's flair
- [ ] Expert's edge
- [ ] Veteran's advantage
> **Explanation:** Beginner's luck refers specifically to newbies stumbling upon success in their initial attempt.
### Which expression is closest to 'beginner's luck'?
- [ ] Learning the ropes fast
- [x] Hitting it out of the park on the first swing
- [ ] Failing forward
- [ ] Polishing the apple
> **Explanation:** "Hitting it out of the park on the first swing" mirrors the excitement and unexpected success of a first-time endeavor.
### True or False: 'Beginner’s luck’ generally implies consistent long-term success.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Beginner's luck refers to initial, possibly one-off successes, not ongoing performance.
### What’s the opposite of 'beginner’s luck'?
- [ ] Serendipity
- [x] Tough luck
- [ ] Novice’s knack
- [ ] Learning curve
> **Explanation:** Tough luck often signifies continued difficulty, presenting a stark contrast to Beginner’s Luck.