A wish for good luck, used especially when it is believed that there is not much chance for success or a positive outcome. Primarily heard in UK. You want to play for Man U one day? The best of British! I don't think he'll succeed, but I wish him the best of British luck.

That which supposedly plagues British people, government, or society. Used especially in reference to an inability or unwillingness to be as productive as possible. The real British disease is not complacency or unrest, but the desire to achieve short-term goals at the cost of investing in long-term, sustainable economic policies.