the wheel of fortune

the wheel of fortune

The incidental, unforeseen, or random occurrences of life. (Alludes to the wheel that the goddess Fortune was believed to spin, which determined the fate in a person's life.) There's no knowing how this whole thing will pan out—we just have to leave it up to the wheel of fortune.
See also: fortune, of, wheel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the wheel of Fortune

the wheel which the goddess Fortune is said to turn as a symbol of random luck or change.
See also: fortune, of, wheel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

wheel of fortune, the

The agent of change in human affairs. The term refers to the goddess Fortune, traditionally represented with a wheel in her hand, which symbolizes inconstancy. The ancient Chinese and Babylonians referred to fortune’s ever-turning wheel, and Chaucer used it (The Knight’s Tale), “Thus can fortune hir wheel govern and gye, and out of joye bringe men to sorwe.” A popular American television quiz show of the 1980s and 1990s bore the name Wheel of Fortune.
See also: of, wheel
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • wheel of fortune, the
  • be at the wheel
  • at the wheel
  • at/behind the wheel
  • behind the wheel
  • hold (something) back for a rainy day
  • keep (something) for a rainy day
  • put (something) aside for a rainy day
  • save (something) for a rainy day
  • save, keep, etc. it for a rainy day
References in classic literature
But while Nicholas was considering these questions and still could reach no clear solution of what puzzled him so, the wheel of fortune in the service, as often happens, turned in his favor.
There he stopped before a public-house, under the sign of "The Wheel of Fortune," and, after examining the place outside, went in.
Gooseberry went back to "The Wheel of Fortune" in a very bewildered state of mind.
As for what happened at "The Wheel of Fortune," after the boy left--we ought to have discovered that last night.
The moment we entered "The Wheel of Fortune" it was plain even to my inexperienced eyes that there was something wrong in the house.
It's this steam, you see, that has made the difference; it drives on every wheel double pace, and the wheel of fortune along with 'em, as our Mr.
But I see now how true it is what they say in these parts, that the wheel of fortune turns faster than a mill-wheel, and that those who were up yesterday are down to-day.
As I contemplated him advancing with kingly dignity, an obsequious guard following his steps, I could not help recalling to my mind the tall Zulu who had presented himself to us at Durban some few months back, asking to be taken into our service, and reflecting on the strange revolutions of the wheel of fortune.
It is when one is lowest on the wheel of fortune that the merry-go-round wheels and rewards us.
Then I'll tell him of our wager, to cool him down,--a process we call at the theatre turning the Wheel of Fortune, don't we, du Bruel?
Those who spend Dh1,000 can "Discover the Surprise" at participating outlets and spin the Wheel of Fortune. Lucky winners can try for holiday and entertainmentpackages, restaurants, events, fashion, beauty products, and electronics.
The wheel of fortune was at Captain Cook's Square, in Middlesbrough, as part of a tour of the North-east's busiest shopping centres.
According to the company, two winners, who preferred to stay anonymous, were overjoyed with USD106,878.59 on the Wheel of Fortune Reel MultiPLAY - Five Times Pay and USD851,864.76 on the Wheel of Fortune Spinning Reel - Triple Double Emeralds, respectively.
Free-wheeling Pars on the up says Jim DUNFERMLINE boss Jim Jefferies believes the wheel of fortune has finally turned in his club's favour after the worst year in their history.
--1959, 'The Wheel of Fortune Starts on TCN Channel 9', TV Week, 14-20 November, p.