1.

to luck out – to be very lucky

2. to make hay while the sun shines – to make the most of an opportunity while it
lasts
3. to play the waiting game – to wait before doing something in order to do it at
the most opportune moment
4. to push one’s luck – to take a risk in the hope that one will achieve success
5. to strike gold – to achieve success
6. to strike while the iron is hot – to make the most of an particular circumstance
and use it to one’s advantage
7. touch/knock on the wood! – a superstitious expression said to stop a confident
statement from bringing bad luck
8. to wait in the wings – to wait to do something at the appropriate time
9. while the going is good/tough – when the conditions are good/bad
Do you know any superstitions about black cats?

1. Have you heard of these superstitions before? Do

you believe in them? Why or why not?
1. If you break a mirror, you’ll get 7 years bad
luck.
2. You will be unlucky, if a black cat crosses
your path.
3. It is lucky to find a four-leaf clover.
2. What are some common superstitions about
good luck and bad luck in your country?
3. Are there any superstitions in your country
surrounding holidays? For example, you can blow
out candles on a birthday cake and make a wish,
but if you tell anyone, the wish won’t come true.
4. Who is more superstitious, younger people or
older people? Why?
5. Who is the most superstitious person you know?
Why do you consider them superstitious?
6. What are some superstitions that you know from
other countries?
7. Are superstitions harmful? Why or why not?
8. Can superstitions be fun? Why or why not?
9. Do you own anything that you consider “lucky?” If
yes, what is it? And why is it lucky? If not, why
not?
10. What do you think about superstitions in
sports? For example, some players have rituals
 for game days, like always wearing their lucky
socks or always having a special meal before the
game.
11. Groucho Marx said“If a black cat crosses
your path, it signifies that the animal is going
somewhere.” What do you make of this
statement?