third time lucky

third time lucky

The belief or hope that the third attempt at something will be successful. Primarily heard in UK. I hope to make it third time lucky after failing this test twice already!
See also: lucky, third, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

third time lucky

after twice failing to accomplish something, the third attempt may be successful.
Third time lucky has been proverbial since the mid 19th century; a US variant is third time is the charm .
See also: lucky, third, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

third time ˈlucky

(American English also third time is the ˈcharm) used when you have failed to do something twice and hope that you will succeed the third time: I missed again! Oh well, third time lucky!
See also: lucky, third, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • third time's a charm
  • live in hope
  • live in hope of
  • live in hope of (something)
  • live in hope(s)
  • hope against hope, to
  • not a hope
  • if it were not for hope, the heart would break
  • hope springs eternal
  • hope to see you again
References in periodicals archive
He looks a progressive type and it's worth noting three-year-olds have won this race times in the last decade, Typ threerace four Third Time Lucky was three years old when he won.
"We've got the cup final first where we are hoping it's third time lucky after reaching the final twice and not winning it.
With the field splitting into two groups Godolphin had a challenger on either side of the Rowley Mile, but it was the stands' side runner Carry On Deryck who took second, with Very Talented leading home the far-side pack from Third Time Lucky.
Bexplanation he became typ three He looks a progressive type and it's worth noting three-year-olds have won this race four times in the last decade, Third Time Lucky was three years old when he won.
As the saying goes: Third time lucky! - Jean Dudley, Plympton, Devon
Today the 140ft mill tower at Dunston, Gateshead, had defied two demolition attempts but, third time lucky, a cheering crowd finally witnessed a successful blast.
Now, it's 2010 and he's hoping for third time lucky with 'the ultimate edition'.
Three Lions topped the charts in 1996 and 1998, but it was not to be third time lucky.
GOLF: George Cowan hopes it is a case of third time lucky in next week's Welsh Young Open PGA Professional Championship at the Royal Liverpool Club at Hoylake.
WIDNES hope to make it third time lucky when they travel to face Sale in South Lancs/Cheshire One on Saturday.
BILLY MEHMET has suffered Hampden heartache twice but hopes to make it third time lucky with St Mirren this season.
IT was a case of third time lucky at the NEC for Crufts grand winner Philippe and his owner Kevin Cullen.
IT WAS third time lucky for giant schnauzer Philippe who tonight scooped the Best in Show award at Crufts 2008.
Sandhya Gajjar and her husband Paul, who run the Canton Post Office, will be hoping it will be third time lucky after winning Best Post Office in Wales two years in a row.
The Duchess of Kent told the new women's champion last year that it would be "third time lucky".