Second time's a charm vs The second time's a charm

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Second time's a charm" is a more casual and shortened version, while "the second time's a charm" is a more formal and complete expression.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 3620 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

"Second time's a charm"

This phrase is a casual way of saying that something will work out well on the second attempt.

Examples:

I hope the second time's a charm with this recipe.
Let's give it another shot; second time's a charm!

Show examples from the web [+]

Second time's a charm
The second time's a charm.
Let's hope second time's a charm.
Well, I hope the second time's a charm, 'cause he really messed up the first one... but you know that, you divorced him.
Second time's a charm!
Second time's a charm.
Maybe second time's a charm.
And the second time is a charm.
Let's hope second time's the charm.
All right, good, 'cause second time's the charm for you, I can feel it.
This is only our second attempt at transmutation, and, you know, they always say, "The third time's a charm."
Third time's a charm though.
Who knows, maybe 3rd time's a charm.
Fourth time's a charm, Frank.
Well, you know what they say: Twenty-third time's a charm.
(Sighs) So how's Elaine? Fourth time's a charm.
Fourth time's a charm. Okay.
You know what they say, fifth time's a charm.
Third time's a charm, set for next week.
Well, you know what they say - third time's a charm.
You know what they say, three time's a charm.

Alternatives:

third time's a charm
fourth time's a charm
another try will do the trick
try again, it might work this time
it will work out eventually

This phrase is correct and commonly used in more formal contexts.

"The second time's a charm"

This phrase is a complete and formal way of expressing that something will work out well on the second attempt.

Examples:

Remember, the second time's a charm, so don't give up.
After failing once, the second time's a charm.

Show examples from the web [+]

The second time's a charm
The second time's a charm.
Well, I hope the second time's a charm, 'cause he really messed up the first one... but you know that, you divorced him.
Now, the second time, maybe that's a change of plan.
Now, the second time, maybe that's a change of plan.
De Rossi and Stekelenburg are competing at the Euros for the second time, while it's a new experience for Borini and Kjaer.
The second time was a procedure that involved local anesthesia.
You just experienced change blindness for the second time.
1596 Toyotomi Hideyoshi invades Korea for the second time.
Only the second time, it took her 37 seconds.
The second filter value had to be entered a second time to achieve correct search results.
Victor Campenaerts has won the Belgian Time Trial Championship for the second time in his career.
Things are always different the second time around.
The second time he's called.
The other half are getting divorced for the second time.
That's the second time your copilot's console exploded.
The second time I didnt understand it.
Robinson's down for the second time in his career.
The second time bomb on your right.
The second time I wanted you... was the next day.
Yes, the second time that Is Thursday this week.

Alternatives:

third time's a charm
fourth time's a charm
another try will do the trick
try again, it might work this time
it will work out eventually

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