wheel of fortune: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1literary, journalistic, general
Quick answer
What does “wheel of fortune” mean?
A phrase referring to the unpredictable and cyclical nature of luck or fate in human life, often visualized as a literal wheel that spins to change a person's circumstances.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phrase referring to the unpredictable and cyclical nature of luck or fate in human life, often visualized as a literal wheel that spins to change a person's circumstances.
It also commonly refers to the popular television game show where contestants spin a large wheel to win money and prizes. Metaphorically, it signifies the capriciousness of destiny, where one's fortunes can rise or fall suddenly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the phrase with identical core and extended meanings. The game show is an American creation but is broadcast internationally.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is chance and the unpredictability of life. The game show reference is more culturally salient in the US.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of the game show in popular culture.
Grammar
How to Use “wheel of fortune” in a Sentence
the wheel of fortune + verb (turns/spins)subject + be + at the mercy of the wheel of fortuneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wheel of fortune” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The markets seem to be wheeling with fortune this quarter.
- He felt his life was being wheeled by fortune.
American English
- Their luck just wheeled from fortune to misfortune.
- The entrepreneur wheeled his fortune on one risky investment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe volatile markets or the unpredictable rise and fall of companies. 'Start-ups are at the mercy of the wheel of fortune.'
Academic
Found in historical, literary, or philosophical discussions about medieval concepts of fortune (e.g., Boethius) or in media studies analysing game shows.
Everyday
Commonly refers to the TV game show or used figuratively to comment on good or bad luck in life. 'Getting that job was a real spin of the wheel of fortune.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside of media production or discussions of probability theory as an illustrative metaphor.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “wheel of fortune”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “wheel of fortune”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wheel of fortune”
- Incorrect article: 'a wheel of fortune' (used for the concept, but 'the wheel of fortune' is more idiomatic). Confusing it with 'wheel of chance' or 'wheel of luck.' Capitalising incorrectly when not referring to the TV show title.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only when referring specifically to the television game show as a proper noun. When used as a philosophical or metaphorical concept, it is not capitalised (e.g., 'the wheel of fortune').
It originates from the classical and medieval personification of the goddess Fortuna, who spins a wheel that randomly raises or lowers the status of individuals. The concept was popularised by the Roman philosopher Boethius.
Yes, it can be used neutrally to describe chance, or positively when referring to a fortunate outcome from the 'spin,' such as a sudden success or windfall.
Yes, particularly in literary, journalistic, and historical contexts to comment on the volatility of luck, success, or financial markets.
A phrase referring to the unpredictable and cyclical nature of luck or fate in human life, often visualized as a literal wheel that spins to change a person's circumstances.
Wheel of fortune is usually literary, journalistic, general in register.
Wheel of fortune: in British English it is pronounced /ˌwiːl əv ˈfɔːtʃuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌwil əv ˈfɔːrtʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The wheel of fortune is forever in motion.”
- “What the wheel of fortune brings, it also takes away.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a literal wheel with sections labelled 'Wealth,' 'Poverty,' 'Fame,' 'Obscurity.' As it SPINS, your FORTUNE changes. Wheel + Fortune = Changing luck.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAMBLE / FATE IS A ROTATING WHEEL
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary conceptual meaning of 'the wheel of fortune' outside the game show reference?