Meaning
Used to ask someone to hope for your success or good fortune.
Cultural Background
British people often use 'Wish me luck' with a bit of self-deprecating humor, especially when doing something they expect to fail at. In the theater world, saying 'Good luck' is considered a jinx. Actors say 'Break a leg' instead. If you say 'Wish me luck' to an actor, they might look worried! Americans often use 'Wish me luck' in high-energy, positive contexts like sports or business pitches to build team spirit. Some people will 'knock on wood' after someone wishes them luck to ensure the good fortune isn't lost.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use this phrase sarcastically when you have to do something you hate. 'I'm going to clean the bathroom. Wish me luck.'
Don't use 'to'
Never say 'Wish to me luck.' It's a very common mistake for speakers of Romance languages.
Meaning
Used to ask someone to hope for your success or good fortune.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use this phrase sarcastically when you have to do something you hate. 'I'm going to clean the bathroom. Wish me luck.'
Don't use 'to'
Never say 'Wish to me luck.' It's a very common mistake for speakers of Romance languages.
Add 'the best of'
Saying 'Wish me the best of luck' makes you sound more sincere and fluent.
The Response
When someone says 'Wish me luck,' the standard response is 'Good luck!' or 'Fingers crossed!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
I'm going on stage now. Wish ____ luck!
The phrase is 'Wish me luck.' No preposition is needed.
Match the situation to the best response.
Situation: Your friend is about to take their driving test.
When *someone else* is doing the task, you say 'Good luck!' When *you* are doing the task, you say 'Wish me luck!'
Which of these is a common informal variation of 'Wish me luck'?
I have a big interview today...
'Cross your fingers for me' is a very common idiom that means the same thing.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: I'm so nervous about the presentation. B: Don't worry, you'll be great. A: Thanks. ___________!
The speaker is asking for support before their own presentation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Wish me luck vs. Good luck
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI'm going on stage now. Wish ____ luck!
The phrase is 'Wish me luck.' No preposition is needed.
Situation: Your friend is about to take their driving test.
When *someone else* is doing the task, you say 'Good luck!' When *you* are doing the task, you say 'Wish me luck!'
I have a big interview today...
'Cross your fingers for me' is a very common idiom that means the same thing.
A: I'm so nervous about the presentation. B: Don't worry, you'll be great. A: Thanks. ___________!
The speaker is asking for support before their own presentation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very unnatural. Stick to 'Wish me luck.'
It's neutral to informal. In a very formal letter, you might say 'I hope for your well-wishes.'
'Good luck' is what you say to someone else. 'Wish me luck' is what you ask someone to say to you.
It's an old theater superstition that saying 'Good luck' will actually cause bad luck.
Yes, if you are writing to a friend or a close colleague about a challenge you are facing.
No, it is uncountable. You cannot say 'a luck' or 'many lucks.'
It's a physical gesture and a phrase that means the same thing as 'Wish me luck.'
No, because 'luck' is uncountable. Say 'Wish me good luck' or just 'Wish me luck.'
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship and you are talking about a challenge outside of your core duties.
Most people use the phrase as a social gesture, not a literal belief in magic.
The most common responses are 'Good luck!', 'You'll be great!', or 'Fingers crossed!'
No, 'luck' never takes an 's' in this context.
Related Phrases
Good luck
similarI hope you succeed
Break a leg
specialized formGood luck (in theater)
Cross your fingers
synonymHope for the best
Best of luck
similarI wish you the very best
Keep your chin up
contrastStay positive during a bad time
Godspeed
specialized formI wish you a safe and successful journey
