PhrasesHub

Fingers crossed

    Definitions

      • Expressing hope or wish for something to happen
        Used as a gesture or phrase to show one's optimistic outlook or desire for a certain outcome

      • To wish someone good luck
        Used to wish someone well before an important event or decision, hoping that they will be successful or fortunate

      • To express a sense of uncertainty or doubt
        Used to indicate that something is not certain or definite, and that the outcome is still up in the air or unknown

    Examples of Fingers crossed

    • I really hope I pass the exam, fingers crossed!

      This idiom is used to express hope or wish for a positive outcome. It originated from the traditional superstition that crossing your fingers while making a wish would bring good luck. In this example, the speaker is hoping to pass the exam and is using the idiom to express their optimism.

    • She's interviewing for a new job, fingers crossed for her!

      In this example, the speaker is wishing for a positive outcome for someone else. They are expressing their hope that the person being interviewed will get the job.

    • The team is working hard to win the championship, fingers crossed for them!

      Here, the speaker is wishing for a positive outcome for a group of people. They are expressing their hope that the team will win the championship.

    • I'm applying for a scholarship, fingers crossed!

      In this example, the speaker is expressing their hope for a positive outcome related to a specific action they have taken. They are applying for a scholarship and are using the idiom to express their optimism.

    • We're planning a surprise party for our friend, fingers crossed that it goes well!

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a sentence with multiple clauses. The speaker is planning a surprise party for their friend and is using the idiom to express their hope that the party will go well.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fingers crossed" is used in a variety of contexts, but its main intention is to express hope or wish for something to happen. This can be in the form of wishing oneself or someone else good luck, or simply expressing a sense of optimism towards a particular outcome. It can also be used to convey uncertainty or doubt, indicating that the result is not yet certain.

    The phrase "fingers crossed" is often accompanied by the physical gesture of crossing one's fingers, which is believed to have originated from the early Christian practice of making the sign of the cross for protection and good luck. Over time, this hand gesture became associated with wishing for good luck or a desired outcome.

    Origin of "Fingers crossed"

    The exact origin of the idiom "fingers crossed" is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Europe during the Middle Ages. One theory suggests that it may have been influenced by the ancient pagan belief in crossed fingers as a symbol of good luck and protection against evil.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the practice of crossing one's fingers while making a promise or oath, in order to nullify the promise if it is broken. This belief was commonly held in England during the 17th and 18th centuries.

    Today, "fingers crossed" remains a popular idiom that is used in various situations to express hope, luck, or uncertainty. It has become a part of everyday language and is often used in a light-hearted or joking manner.