A run of bad luck
Meaning
A period during which a person experiences a continuous series of unfortunate events or outcomes.
Origin
The phrase 'a run of bad luck' cleverly hinges on the word 'run,' which, by the 19th century, had evolved to describe a continuous, unbroken sequence of events. Imagine a baseball player making a 'run' to home plate, or a gambler experiencing a 'run' of good cards at the poker table. This linguistic imagery carries a sense of relentless momentum, an almost unstoppable forward motion. When misfortune stacks up, one setback after another, it’s not just an isolated incident, but a relentless 'run'—a cascading series of unfortunate events that seems to gain speed and intensity, making it feel like fate itself is actively working against you. The vividness of this continuous flow gives the phrase its potent punch, making a temporary period of woe feel like an endless tide.
Examples
- After losing his job, then having his car break down, John felt he was truly having a run of bad luck.
- Despite their best efforts, the team couldn't seem to win a game, clearly experiencing a run of bad luck this season.