DOWN ON ONE’S LUCK, adj. phr. (common).—Unlucky; in trouble; ‘hard up.’
1846–8. THACKERAY, Vanity Fair, lxiv. They say that when Mrs. C. was particularly DOWN ON HER LUCK, she gave concerts and lessons in music here and there.
1885. HUGH CONWAY, The English Illustrated Magazine, June, p. 638, ‘A Family Affair.’ A fellow who’s DOWN ON HIS LUCK now.
1891. Fun, 25 March. Now, the real, genuine, unadulterated nob—be he ever so DOWN ON HIS LUCK—always tends his nails to the last.
1892. St. James’s Gazette, 29 Oct., 5, 1. Sir Harry Golightly was DOWN ON HIS LUCK. He confided his woes to Mrs. FitzHarris.
GREASY-LUCK, subs. (whalers’).—A full cargo of oil.
FISHERMAN’S LUCK, subs. phr. (common).—Wet, cold, hungry, and no fish.
SHITTEN LUCK, subs. phr. (old).—Good luck.
1670. RAY, Proverbs [BOHN (1893), 131], s.v.
