🌟 Thank Your Lucky Stars 🌠: And Other Cosmic Compliments
Origin and Meaning
To be grateful for good fortune.
In ancient and medieval times, the stars were believed to have a powerful influence over the lives and destinies of human beings. Thanking them for good fortune, therefore, was a bit of superstitious politeness. Ben Jonson used the term “I thank my Starres for it” in his play, Every Man Out of His Humour (1599). The modern variant came into use during the last century and is more an expression of general relief at emerging unscathed from some dilemma than of belief in celestial influence.
Related Terms and Expressions
- Lucky break: An unexpected chance or piece of good luck.
- Touch wood: An expression used to avoid jinxing oneself after mentioning good fortune.
- Fortune smiled upon: To experience good luck.
- Blessing in disguise: An apparent misfortune that results in something good.
- Luck of the draw: Pure chance or randomness determining the outcome.
- Knock on wood: Similar to “touch wood,” used to prevent bad luck after mentioning good luck.
Proverbs and Quotes
- “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown
- “Stars can’t shine without darkness.” – Unknown
- “Thank your lucky stars and follow your own path regardless of the obstacles ahead.” – W.T. Wittywords
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Song: “Lucky Star” by Madonna
- Poem: “Bright Star” by John Keats
- Movie: Stardust (2007)
Similar Expressions to Dolly Your Vocabulary
- Stars in your eyes: To be dreaming of something wonderful.
- Sky’s the limit: No boundaries on potential success.
- Over the moon: Extremely happy or pleased.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Grateful, thankful, fortunate.
- Antonyms: Unlucky, unfortunate, discouraged.
Let’s Quiz it Up 📚
### Which phrase means to express relief and gratitude?
- [x] Thank your lucky stars
- [ ] Pluck the moon
- [ ] Keep your feet on the ground
- [ ] Hide under a rock
> **Explanation:** "Thank your lucky stars" means to express relief and gratitude for good fortune.
### Which of the following terms is not associated with luck?
- [ ] Touch wood
- [ ] Lucky break
- [x] Heart of stone
- [ ] Fortune smiled upon
> **Explanation:** Having a "heart of stone" refers to being unemotional or unsympathetic, not related to luck.
### Which saying advises setting high goals?
- [x] Shoot for the moon
- [ ] Hide under a rock
- [ ] Starry night
- [ ] Dust of dawn
> **Explanation:** "Shoot for the moon" advises aiming high, suggesting that even if you fall short, you'll still achieve something great.
### True or False: "Knock on wood" is used to prevent jinxing.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Knock on wood" is indeed used to ward off bad luck after mentioning good fortune.
✨Thank you, and always remember: when life gives you stars, don’t just thank them—aim for them!
Published on a starry night, 2023-10-02 by the ever-lucky W.T. Wittywords
