They say these things come in threes
/ðeɪ seɪ ðiːz θɪŋz kʌm ɪn θriːz/
B2
Definition
The phrase "They say these things come in threes" is a common saying used when people notice that events, especially bad or unlucky ones, seem to happen three times in a short period. It expresses the idea that things often happen in groups of three, usually as a pattern or superstition.
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See It in Action
Belief that events, often bad or unlucky, happen in groups of three
- •They say these things come in threes, so be careful after the first two accidents.
- •After two power outages, they say these things come in threes, so we prepared for another.
- •When two friends canceled, she said, "They say these things come in threes," worried the third might too.
Used to explain or predict a third event after two have happened
- •We've had two storms already this week; they say these things come in threes.
- •After two failed tests, he reminded himself, "They say these things come in threes," hoping the third would be better.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "these things come in threes" like "things happen again," but specifically in groups of three, not just one or two times.
- ✓Picture three falling dominoes in a line—when one falls, the others follow in a set of three.
- ✓It's the feeling when you notice two bad things happened, and you worry a third might come soon.
- ✓Sounds like "THREEZ" → imagine three friends standing together, always appearing as a group.
- ✓Remember stories or movies where three challenges or events happen one after another, like three wishes or three trials.
- ✓NOT like "once or twice" (small number), this phrase expects a third event to complete the group.
- ✓NOT like "always" (every time), it means often or sometimes, based on observation or belief.
- ✓NOT like "random" (no pattern), this phrase suggests a pattern or expectation in events.
Try Other Words
- •They say bad luck comes in threes: people believe unlucky events happen three times (use when talking about bad luck specifically)
- •Things tend to happen in threes: general way to say events often come three at a time (use in casual or neutral contexts)
- •Third time's the charm: meaning the third try will be successful (use when hoping the third event will be good, not bad)
Unboxing
- •Phrase parts: "They say" (people say or believe) + "these things" (events or situations) + "come in threes" (happen three times)
- •Etymology: English phrase based on old superstition about events occurring in groups of three
- •Historical development: The idea of "things coming in threes" has roots in many cultures and stories, where three is a special or lucky/unlucky number
- •Modern usage: Commonly used when people notice two similar events and expect a third, especially for bad or unlucky things
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people expect events to happen in groups of three? Does this help them feel more in control?
•Can you think of times when you noticed something happened twice and you expected a third time? Did it happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.After two accidents on the road, they say these things come in threes, so drivers ___ more careful.
2.When bad news arrives twice, people often say they say these things come in threes to explain the ___ of events.
3.Unlike random events, they say these things come in threes suggests a ___ or pattern.
4.She said, "They say these things come in threes," to warn us that a third problem might ___.
5.The phrase "they say these things come in threes" often ___ with unlucky or bad events.
6.After two storms, we prepared for a third because they say these things come in threes and ___ often follow.
7.When someone uses "they say these things come in threes," they usually expect a ___ event after two have happened.