the rub of the green

Good luck, especially in sports. Primarily heard in UK. He'll need the rub of the green if he's going to pull this off.

the rub of the green

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONED

In an activity, especially a sport, the rub of the green is good luck. If we keep playing like that and get the rub of the green, we'll win more games than we lose. At this stage West would appreciate the rub of the green: the sort of luck that gave Bristol a penalty. Note: This expression probably comes from golf or bowls. The `rub' is the direction in which the grass is bent when it is cut, which affects the movement of the ball.

rub of the green

the influence of luck, seen as being advantageous or more usually disadvantageous.

The expression originated in the language of golf, where it denotes an accidental interference with the course or position of a ball on the green.

1962 Guardian If applications…reached fantastic proportions, the Government would have to consider the matter. ‘At present we treat it as a rub of the green.’