the.com/twist of fate
The universe's way of editing your life story without asking permission.
means An unexpected, often ironic change in circumstances that reshapes the direction of someone's life.
from Built from 'twist' (a bend or unexpected turn, from Old English-rooted words for twining and winding) and 'fate' (from Latin 'fatum,' meaning 'that which has been spoken'—the decree of the gods). Together the phrase pictures fate not as a straight line but as thread that can suddenly kink or knot, a metaphor that took hold in English as 'twist' broadened from literal cord-twisting to any sudden turn of events.
- origin
- twist implies fate as literal thread, spun and knotted
- irony
- usually invoked only when the surprise is unwelcome
- misuse
- people blame fate, rarely credit it when luck is good
- reality
- often just coincidence wearing a dramatic costume