PhrasesHub

Rub of the green

    Definitions

      • luck
        Refers to the element of luck or fortune, especially in sports or games, where a favorable or unfavorable outcome is determined by chance

      • advantage
        Denotes a favorable or advantageous situation or circumstance

    Examples of Rub of the green

    • The ball bounced surprisingly in favor of the home team, giving them the rub of the green.

      In sports such as golf, cricket or snooker, the "rub of the green" refers to getting an unexpected lucky break. In this case, the ball bounced in a favorable way for the home team, which is equivalent to getting a lucky break.

    • Jane's audition for the lead role in the play went exceptionally well, largely due to the rub of the green she received from the casting director.

      Here, "rub of the green" is used figuratively to imply that Jane received an unanticipated, favorable circumstance during her audition, resulting in her exceedingly successful audition experience.

    • After a disastrous start to the project, the team's fortunes finally changed when they received a lucky break, equating to the rub of the green.

      Here, "rub of the green" signifies an unexpected stroke of luck that transformed a disastrous scenario into a more positive one for the team.

    • The storekeeper accidentally overcharged the customer, giving him an unintended gift in the guise of the rub of the green.

      Here, "rub of the green" is interpreted metaphorically, implying the customer received an unexpected advantage in the form of the overcharged amount, which could be considered a stroke of luck.

    • The ball bounced in our favor during the game, giving us a lucky break. It could be considered a "rub of the green."

      The phrase "rub of the green" is used to describe a lucky break or advantage that seems to come out of nowhere. In this example, the ball bouncing in our favor could be considered a "rub of the green" because it was unexpected and gave us a fortunate opportunity.

    • Even though my resume wasn't the best qualified, I somehow landed the job. I guess it was a "rub of the green."

      This example shows a "rub of the green" in a professional setting. The speaker may have been surprised and fortunate to receive the job, despite not being the most qualified candidate.

    • The runners in the horse race all seemed to be neck and neck, but at the last minute, our horse pulled ahead. It was truly a "rub of the green."

      This example illustrates a "rub of the green" in the context of a sport or competition. Unexpected events or advantages can shift the course of the game or race in favor of one competitor, giving them the win.

    • After hitting a rough patch in my personal life, things suddenly started looking up. I guess you could say I had a "rub of the green."

      This final example shows the application of the idiom in a personal context. A positive change or outcome can arise seemingly out of nowhere, bringing good luck or fortune to the individual.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "rub of the green" can be used to talk about luck or advantage in different contexts. It can refer to the element of luck in sports or games, or to a favorable situation or circumstance in general.

    Origin of "Rub of the green"

    The origin of the idiom "rub of the green" comes from the game of golf. In golf, "rub of the green" refers to the accidental deflection of a ball by a natural object on the course, such as a tree or a rock, which may result in either a favorable or unfavorable outcome for the player. Over time, the idiom has been used more broadly to refer to luck or advantage in various situations, not just in the context of golf. The phrase "rub of the green" has become a common way to talk about luck or advantage in everyday language, beyond the world of sports.