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Murphy’s law
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Portrait of Edward A. Murphy Jr. in a formal United States Military Academy cadet uniform, from the 1940 West Point yearbook. Six sequential black and white photos show Colonel John Stapp strapped in a rocket sled, his facial expressions changing dramatically from calm to visibly strained under extreme acceleration and deceleration forces.
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Portrait of Edward A. Murphy Jr. in a formal United States Military Academy cadet uniform, from the 1940 West Point yearbook.
The man who created the law Edward A. Murphy Jr., the creator of Murphy's law, shown in his 1940 West Point yearbook.

Murphy’s law

Because anything that can go wrong really will go wrong
Also known as: Sod’s law
Written by
Laura Payne
Laura Payne is a freelance writer whose work covers many topics. She is a former Wayne State University linguistics instructor.
Laura Payne
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

If you’ve ever muttered, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong” (or something similar), you’ve cited Murphy’s law. The adage highlights the unpredictability of situations and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Often delivered in a pessimistic or humorous manner, the maxim serves as a reminder that even the best-laid plans can be subject to the fickleness of fate, and it’s best to anticipate difficulties, have contingency plans, and persevere when...

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