Does a Good Luck Charm 'Work Like a Charm'?

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

On today's program we talk about the word "charm."

"Charm" has several meanings.

It can be a word, action, or thing believed to have magic power, to keep away evil, or to bring good luck.

It can be a small item worn on a chain or bracelet¹. Charm bracelets² are popular because you can add charms that show things you like, your hobbies, or your interests.

"Charm" is also a quality that attracts and pleases people. If you are charming, you charm people or you make them like you. In the story of Cinderella, the prince is called... Prince Charming.

Works like a charm

Now, let's talk about our first expression. If something works like a charm it works perfectly³. Something that works like a charm does exactly want it is supposed to do. This expression can describe an approach, a method, a tactic⁴, or even a device. Whatever it is works so well, that it seems like magic!

Let's hear two friends use it. One friend invites another to go boating for the weekend. But before that can happen, the invitee must find a dog watcher for the weekend. Let's hear how they use the expression to work like a charm.

A: So, can you go boating with me this weekend?

B: Yes! My roommate agreed to watch my dog Milo.

A: She did? I thought she didn't like Milo... at all.

B: Me too. She complains about my dog all the time. Milo is too big. Milo is too playful. Milo is too... whatever!

A: So, why did she agree to watch him?

B: Well, I told her that when I take Milo to the dog park lots of men want to play with such a big, friendly dog. And I added that some of these men are very good-looking.

A: Oh, that is too funny!

B: It might be funny, but it worked like a charm.

The third time is the charm

Now, for our next expression. Let's say a person tries to do something but fails at it two times, or twice. But they want to try again for a third time. They hope that on the third attempt, it will work.

In this situation, we can say the third time is the charm. However, when we use this expression we usually say it quickly – like this "third time's the charm."

We often use this expression to encourage someone to do something that they have tried a couple of times. Sometimes we use it to describe our own efforts. We try to convince ourselves that our efforts, whatever they are, will finally work out.

Here is another conversation using the expression third time's the charm.

A: Where are you going with all those boxes?

B: I'm helping⁵ James open his new business.

A: James is opening another business? Didn't his past two businesses fail?

B: They did. He lost a lot of money on both of them.

A: Wow, he is brave for starting another business. You'd think he would have learned his lesson.

B: He said the third time's the charm! He really believes this one will work out.

A: What is the business anyway?

B: He is opening a dog summer camp.

A: A summer camp ... for dogs?

B: Yep. Those boxes are filled with dog treats and toys.

A: But people love spending time with their dogs in the summer.

B: Look, I'm just helping him out.

A: Well, in this case, I don't think third time's the charm is the best expression to use. I'd use ... don't quit your day job.

The expression may have its roots in old superstitions⁷. It means that the third time will be lucky and therefore successful. Word experts say that some cultures throughout history viewed three as a lucky number.

Words in This Story

tactic – n. a planned action for a particular purpose

complain – v. to express grief, pain, or discontent : find fault

encourage – v. to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope

root – n. an original cause or source

superstition⁶ – n. a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic

1 bracelet   

n.手镯，臂镯

参考例句：

• The jeweler charges lots of money to set diamonds in a bracelet.珠宝匠要很多钱才肯把钻石镶在手镯上。
• She left her gold bracelet as a pledge.她留下她的金手镯作抵押品。

2 bracelets   

n.手镯，臂镯( bracelet的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The lamplight struck a gleam from her bracelets. 她的手镯在灯光的照射下闪闪发亮。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• On display are earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from jade, amber and amethyst. 展出的有用玉石、琥珀和紫水晶做的耳环、项链和手镯。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 perfectly   

adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地

参考例句：

• The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
• Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。

4 tactic   

n.战略，策略；adj.战术的，有策略的

参考例句：

• Reducing prices is a common sales tactic.降价是常用的销售策略。
• She had often used the tactic of threatening to resign.她惯用以辞职相威胁的手法。

5 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

6 superstition   

n.迷信，迷信行为

参考例句：

• It's a common superstition that black cats are unlucky.认为黑猫不吉祥是一种很普遍的迷信。
• Superstition results from ignorance.迷信产生于无知。

7 superstitions   

迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Old superstitions seem incredible to educated people. 旧的迷信对于受过教育的人来说是不可思议的。
• Do away with all fetishes and superstitions. 破除一切盲目崇拜和迷信。