Knock on wood (touch wood)

Meaning

The idiom "knock on wood" is used to avoid tempting fate or to prevent bad luck from coming after a good fortune has been mentioned or something positive has happened. It's also used to express gratitude or appreciation for something good that has happened. Example sentences:

• "I just landed my dream job, but I don't want to jinx it by talking about it too much. I'll just knock on wood and keep quiet."
• "We had a great day at the beach today, sunshine and smooth sailing. Knock on wood that this luck continues!"
• "I had an amazing date last night, but I don't want to jinx it by boasting about it. I'll just knock on wood and hope for the best."
• "We finally got tickets to see our favorite band, and we can't wait! Knock on wood that they don't cancel."
• "I passed my driving test on the first try, but I don't want to get too confident. I'll just knock on wood and keep practicing."

Usage

The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it's used as a superstition or a way to prevent bad luck from coming after something good has been said or done. In other cases, it's used to express gratitude or appreciation for something good that has happened. Example sentences:

• "I just got accepted into my dream university! Knock on wood that I can actually attend."
• "We just won a game of basketball! Knock on wood that we don't lose our momentum."
• "I had a great day at work today, but I don't want to brag. I'll just knock on wood and hope for another good day tomorrow."
• "We just got invited to a party, and we're so excited! Knock on wood that it's not canceled."
• "I finished my project on time and got an A! Knock on wood that I don't have to do any more work."

Roots and History

The idiom "knock on wood" is believed to have originated from the idea of knocking on a tree trunk or a piece of wood to prevent bad luck from coming after saying something positive. It has been used since ancient times, with various cultures having their own variations of the idiom. In some cultures, such as in Japan, people touch a wooden statue or talisman to bring good luck and fortune. In other cultures, such as in Latin America, people knock on wood or use a lucky charm to ward off evil spirits. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to include using it as a way to prevent bad luck from coming after something good has been said or done. It has become a common expression in modern language, used in various contexts and situations.

Synonyms in English

• "Touch wood"
• "Cross fingers"
• "Pray"
• "Hope"
• "Wish"

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "Tocar madera"
• French: "Tapper sur la bois"
• German: "Touch Holz"
• Italian: "Uccidere il tragoedio"
• Turkish: "Yükseliyor" (to wish for good luck)

Similar Idioms

• so far so good

• third wheel or fifth wheel

• keep card close to chest