better luck next time

better luck next time

A phrase said to one who has lost or failed in some pursuit. It can be used both derisively and encouragingly. You'll never beat me at basketball! Better luck next time, little brother! I know you really hoped to medal in the competition, so better luck next time.
See also: better, luck, next, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Better luck next time

 
1. an expression that comforts someone for a minor failure. (Said with a pleasant tone of voice.) Bill: That does it! I can't run any farther. Hose! Bob: Too bad. Better luck next time. Mary: Well, that's the end of my brand new weight lifting career. Jane: Better luck next time.
2. an expression that ridicules someone for a failure. (Said with rudeness or sarcasm. The tone of voice distinguishes {2} from {2}.) Sally: I lost out to you, but I think you cheated. Mary: Better luck next time. Sue: You thought you could get ahead of me, you fool! Better luck next time! Joan: I still think you cheated.
See also: better, luck, next, time
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

ˌbetter luck ˈnext time

(spoken) used to encourage somebody who has not been successful at something
See also: better, luck, next, time
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

Better luck next time

sent. I wish you luck when you try again. You blew it, you stupid twit. Better luck next time.
See also: better, luck, next, time
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • made in China
  • flyover
  • flyover country
  • flyover states
  • how about
  • how/what about...?
  • eggs is eggs
  • be half the (something) (one) used to be
  • dancer
  • (one's) best foot forward
References in periodicals archive
Oh well, better luck next time, and beware waders with the wrong legs
Bird Notes
We will continue to practice and hope we get better luck next time," commented Liman's Aleksander Ratkov.
Riga edge top-ranked Liman to clinch first World Tour Masters
Former maths teacher Romesh Ranganathan had fun going back to school, but I think Ben Miller got the short straw as Joey Essex's co-driver - better luck next time, Ben!
It may be entertaining, but science is not sexy
To them I say, better luck next time. But I, together with my family, enjoyed the filmsand they made our traditional Christmas celebration complete.
Pity those who don't enjoy Metro Manila Film Festival presentations
@rhiwbafc Liverpool fan on the radio saying Hodgson didn't get a fair chance at Liverpool & that West Brom play better football than them, too right @DebbieBarlow5 OdemwingieP better luck next time! I have faith in all of you!!
TWITTER TALK
Better luck next time David -that''s another ridiculous Tory idea you can 'wave' bye bye to.
Goodbye to yacht; Your say
Star performance Kingsgate Choice can only progress from his success in the 5f handicap Better luck next time William Haggas sent a team of four horses on the 478-mile round trip from Newmarket and the closest he came was Praesepe's third in the 6f maiden Who met plenty of trouble in running when third in the 1m2f handicap?
Drowne doubles up after breaking duck on Marlinka; FFOS LAS
Give his car time to smell a bit better and then phone him again, offering to pay his valeting bill, otherwise sign the pledge and better luck next time.
Did I Blow Our First Date?
Margaret Roberts of Mold was runner-up Mr White said: 'People come up to me in the street and say hard luck or better luck next time.
Don't pity me I was the winner
In the Tangible Spectrums section, alumnus Ala Bata uses everyday subjects to create provocative scenes, such as with "Better Luck Next Time" (meranti wood, stainless steel and egg) in which an egg sits on a door handle.
Fire Station art exhibition explores vast range of emotions and perceptions
Sheikh Hamad congratulated the winners, and wished those who were unable to win better luck next time. He added that he expects the competition to increase even further in the coming days.
Founder's Race success delights camel racing committee chairman
Oh, and in case you were wondering if there was another bun in the oven, the Lebanese beauty said better luck next time in the sweetest way possible.
Happy Anniversary, Hubby! Nancy Ajram celebrates six years with her spouse
Better luck next time! Watch out for more fun-filled contests in future copies of the nation's favourite weekly newspaper.
Sandra's special birthday present
The Whitley Bay lad is now hoping for better luck next time around, and added: "I didn't really want the season to end if I'm honest.
Taylor targets some home improvements; United star keen to better St James' results
Better luck next time: Aston Villa midfielder Barr y Bannan.
Not such a driving force after all