What does "them's the brakes" mean?

Question

I haven't heard this saying in a while, but I have no idea what it means. I like the way it sounds and want to use it!

Answer 1

Well, first of all, it is "breaks."

In life there are good breaks and bad breaks, right?

If someone finds themselves in a particularly difficult or unenviable position, someone else may say to them "them's the breaks."

Answer 2

It certainly has nothing to do with cars. It is "breaks", not brakes. It is the same as " That's the way the cookie crumbles." "That's the way the ball bounces." It is what it is. :o)