tough/bad luck

bad luck

1. Literally, an instance or period of misfortune. I had bad luck this year, first losing my job and then being divorced by my wife.

2. Said as an expression of condolences to a person who suffered or is suffering a misfortune. A: "They decided to hire someone else for the position." B: "Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. Bad luck, man."

tough luck

1. noun Adverse circumstances resulting in misfortune or hardships; bad luck. John's had some tough luck lately—he really can't seem to catch a break.

2. adjective Involving such circumstances. When used as an adjective, the term is often hyphenated. The deadline is non-negotiable, so don't come to me with some tough-luck story about how you couldn't finish your assignment.

3. interjection I have no sympathy for the situation you are in or how you feel about it. A: "When you said I'd be getting a car for my birthday, I didn't think it would be some beat-up old van like this!" B: "Tough luck! You should be thankful to have a car at all!"

tough luck

and tough cookies

That is too bad. (Said as a reply to someone relating an unfortunate situation.) Tough luck, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. That's too bad, tough cookies.

bad luck

see under run of luck.

tough/bad ˈluck

(informal)
1 (British English) used to show sympathy for something unfortunate that has happened to somebody: ‘I failed by one point.’ ‘That’s tough luck.’
2 (also tough) (also tough ˈshit, tough ˈtitty taboo, slang) (ironic) used to show that you do not feel sorry for somebody who has a problem: ‘If you take the car, I won’t be able to go out.’ ‘Tough luck!’ ♢ If you don’t like the idea, tough. You should have said something earlier.

tough luck

and tough cookies

interj. That is too bad. Tough luck, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Tough cookies, Tom! That’s life.