expression
victory depends on the turn of fortune; winning and losing are both down to luck
Proverb meaning that outcomes in competition are ultimately decided by fate or luck, not just skill. Often used to console someone after a loss or to express humility in victory. Similar to 勝負は時の運.
See also: 勝負は時の運
勝つも負けるも時の運だから、あまり気にしないで。
Winning and losing are both a matter of luck, so don't worry too much about it.
勝つも負けるも時の運というが、やはり実力も大事だ。
They say victory depends on the turn of fortune, but skill is still important.
Very similar proverb with the same meaning; 勝つも負けるも時の運 explicitly mentions both winning and losing, while 勝負は時の運 refers to the match itself.
A Japanese proverb combining the verbs 勝つ (win) and 負ける (lose) with the phrase 時の運 (luck of the moment). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural attitude toward the role of fate in competition.