On today's program we talk about the word “charm .” “Charm ” has several meanings . It can be a word , action , or thing believed to have magic power , to keep away evil , or to bring good luck . It can be a small item worn on a chain or bracelet . Charm bracelets are popular because you can add charms that show things you like , your hobbies , or your interests . “Charm ” is also a quality that attracts and pleases people . If you are charming , you charm people or you make them like you . In the story of Cinderella , the prince is called … Prince Charming . Now , let's talk about our first expression . If something works like a charm it works perfectly . Something that works like a charm does exactly want it is supposed to do . This expression can describe an approach , a method , a tactic , or even a device . Whatever it is works so well , that it seems like magic ! Let's hear two friends use it . One friend invites another to go boating for the weekend . But before that can happen , the invitee must find a dog watcher for the weekend . Let's hear how they use the expression to work like a charm . So , can you go boating with me this weekend ? My roommate agreed to watch my dog Milo . I thought she didn't like Milo … at all . She complains about my dog all the time . Milo is too big . Milo is too playful . Milo is too … whatever ! So , why did she agree to watch him ? Well , I told her that when I take Milo to the dog park lots of men want to play with such a big , friendly dog . And I added that some of these men are very good-looking . Oh , that is too funny ! It might be funny , but it worked like a charm . Now , for our next expression . Let's say a person tries to do something but fails at it two times , or twice . But they want to try again for a third time . They hope that on the third attempt , it will work . In this situation , we can say the third time is the charm . However , when we use this expression we usually say it quickly – like this “third time's the charm .” We often use this expression to encourage someone to do something that they have tried a couple of times . Sometimes we use it to describe our own efforts . We try to convince ourselves that our efforts , whatever they are , will finally work out . Here is another conversation using the expression third time's the charm . Where are you going with all those boxes ? I'm helping James open his new business . James is opening another business ? Didn't his past two businesses fail ? He lost a lot of money on both of them . Wow , he is brave for starting another business . You'd think he would have learned his lesson . He said the third time's the charm ! He really believes this one will work out . What is the business anyway ? He is opening a dog summer camp . A summer camp … for dogs ? Those boxes are filled with dog treats and toys . But people love spending time with their dogs in the summer . Look , I'm just helping him out . Well , in this case , I don't think third time's the charm is the best expression to use . I'd use … don't quit your day job . The expression may have its roots in old superstitions . It means that the third time will be lucky and therefore successful . Word experts say that some cultures throughout history viewed three as a lucky number .