third time’s a charm

T

third time’s a charm

Meaning

  • to say that when a person tries to do something, it works out at the third attempt
  • uses to inspire someone for third attempt, when already failed twice

Example Sentences

  1. The fellow finally managed to pass his exam. As they say, third time’s a charm.
  2. He married twice before this but now expects that third time will be a charm for him.
  3. Can you believe that he was in two serious relationships, got cheated upon each time and now believes that the third time will be a charm?
  4. I have invested in such properties before and made huge losses but hoping that the third time’s a charm.
  5. The jewellery was stolen twice before so the girl is wondering if the third time will be a charm.
  6. The third time’s a charm for me. You will see how I win this game.
  7. They have two sons and want a daughter now. Let’s see if the third time’s a charm for them.
  8. Alice has failed at two ventures so far but this time her business plan is not only elaborate but also detailed. We are all hoping that the third time’s a charm for her.

Origin

This idiomatic expression stand for the good luck in third attempt and it is a very old proverb. The phrase is associated with “Holy Trinity of Christianity” and this is to be believed that something that comes at number three always brings the fortune. The phrase is speculated to have come from the early American English although it could be confirmed through literary sources.

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On an other website, it says sources suggest the expression is inspired by Old English Law that stated, if someone survives a hanging 3 times they will be set free. This occurred at Exeter Prison when John “Babbacombe” Lee was to be hanged for murder, but survived 3 attempts and therefore was set free.

‒ Eileen October 17, 2020

Reading through Acts 27/28 I reflected on the three escapes of death for Paul the apostle: Euroclydon, the soldiers counsel and the venomous viper. The latter or third one ushered Paul and the rest of the party(215) into three months of being honored with many honors.

‒ John November 9, 2019

A “charm” was a chant recited in the Anglo-Saxon culture in order to make something come about, similar to a spell. For example, to make butter rise to the top of the churn, a chant was often recited three times in a row. In a poem called “Come, Butter Come” by Halliwell, the person recites the poem three times in order to make it rise to the top. I was thinking this might be the origin of the saying.

‒ J Sahadi July 19, 2018

I wish I could find more specific answers. Thought to be related to the Holy Trinity is not definite.

‒ Luana November 14, 2017

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