(See also SUPERSTITION.)

born with a caul on one’s head Immune to death by drowning; charmed; lucky. The caul is part of the fetal membrane sometimes present on the heads of newborns. The superstition regarding its magical properties was at one time so strong that such membranes, or some material claimed to be such, were sold. Mariners in particular sought them, for obvious reasons.

carry a rope in one’s pocket To be extremely lucky at cards. This expression is an allusion to the superstition that a piece of a hangman’s rope carried in the pocket brings the bearer good luck at cards.

the devil’s own luck Unbelievable or amazing good luck; also the devil’s luck. This expression, in use since at least the mid-19th century, may have derived from the former belief that lucky people had consorted with the Devil.

hit the jackpot To win a large prize; to have a remarkable stroke of good luck; to achieve great success; to strike it rich. Jackpot is a poker term for the kitty or pot that accumulates until a player can open the betting with the required cards. Thus, jackpot has come to mean ‘a prize; success or luck,’ often of an extraordinary nature because it has been long awaited and its value has accumulated over a period of time.

The expression to hit the jackpot probably derives from slot machine usage.

manna from heaven A stroke of good fortune; a windfall; a boon or blessing, particularly one resulting from divine intervention. This expression comes from Exodus (16:15):

strike oil See SUCCESS.

windfall An unexpected acquisition or gain, such as a legacy; a sudden stroke of good luck, especially financial; a godsend; a bonanza. This term may stem from post-medieval England where laws prohibited the people from cutting down trees because all lumber was earmarked for use by the Royal Navy. If a tree were felled by the wind (literally, a windfall), however, it was excluded from this restriction and could be used by the property owner as he wished, thus being considered exceptional and unexpected good fortune. One source suggests that windfall may refer to a fruit or other edible delight which is blown from a tree by the wind without requiring active exertion on the part of the recipient.