Huh! Who knew?
Apparently, the phrase 'lucked out' has an exactly OPPOSITE meaning in the UK as it does here! I found this on shocolate's LJ, and was completely floored.
Verb
Infinitive
to luck out
1. (idiomatic) To experience great luck; to be extremely fortunate or lucky.
I lucked out and got the last two tickets to the big show.
2. (UK) To have run out of luck.
I lucked out and failed to get the tickets.
Good to know, that! Don't want to completely confuse my poor students when/if I move next year.
Verb
Infinitive
to luck out
1. (idiomatic) To experience great luck; to be extremely fortunate or lucky.
I lucked out and got the last two tickets to the big show.
2. (UK) To have run out of luck.
I lucked out and failed to get the tickets.
Good to know, that! Don't want to completely confuse my poor students when/if I move next year.