English Explanatory Dictionary

lucky at cards, unlucky in love

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. Someone who enjoys good fortune in games will experience romantic frustration.

Word forms

lucky at cards, unlucky in love

Etymology

Current phrasing from 1867. Idea present from the 18th century. Earlier expressions include "Well, Miss, you’ll have a sad Husband, you have such good Luck at Cards" (Swift, Polite Conversation, 1738) and "lucky in play, unlucky in love" (1846). A similar French saying "Malheureux en amour, heureux au jeu" is attested from 1850.

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