soldier of misfortune

English

Etymology

A jocular play on soldier of fortune.

Noun

soldier of misfortune (plural soldiers of misfortune)

1. Someone who, despite their efforts or intentions, is unlucky or unfortunate, especially a soldier.
   • 1894, Archibald Clavering Gunter, A Princess of Paris: A Novel, New York: The Home Publishing Company, page 26:

     "Would you like to hear the annals of a soldier of misfortune, before you go to see, on his behalf, the Maréchal of France?"

   • 1969, Allen V. Ross, Vice in Bombay, London: Tallis Press, page 138:

     "Are you ready to be a soldier of misfortune?"

   • 2011, Brett Stephan Bass, The Letter, Indianapolis: Dogear Publishing, page 103:

     He was forced to digest the fact that a career as a soldier of fortune might result in his becoming a soldier of misfortune!