PhrasesHub

Keep one’s fingers crossed

    Definitions

      • hope for good luck
        To wish for a positive outcome or result, often in a situation where success is uncertain or unlikely

      • lie or deceive
        To make a false promise or statement, usually in the hopes of avoiding a negative outcome or consequence

    Examples of Keep one’s fingers crossed

    • I really hope I win the lottery, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

      This is a common usage of the idiom "keep one's fingers crossed," which is used to express hope for a desired outcome. In this example, the speaker is saying that they are willing the universe to provide them with a lucky break by crossing their fingers. This is a casual and conversational way to express hope or optimism for something that may not be under one's control.

    • The negotiations were going well, but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed until the very end.

      In this example, the speaker is acknowledging that while things are looking positive, they are still hesitant to believe that everything will work out in their favor. The idiom is used to express caution and a need for continued hope.

    • We're interviewing candidates all week, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we find the perfect fit for the job.

      This example shows that the idiom can be used in different contexts, and it's particularly helpful when uncertainty is present. In this case, the speaker is hoping that they will be able to select the perfect candidate for a job opening, but they are aware that it may not be that simple.

    • Cross your fingers, guys. We're about to make a big announcement!

      This is a less common usage of the idiom, but it still effectively communicates the speaker's hopefulness for a successful outcome. Here, the speaker is asking others to join them in hoping for the best, perhaps because the outcome is out of their control.In all of these examples, "keep one's fingers crossed" is a simple and quick way to express hope and optimism. It's a colloquial way of communicating that one is in a position where they can't entirely control what happens, but they're still hopeful that things will work out as they would like. People often use this idiom in situations when they're waiting to find out the outcome of an event, or they're about to take a risk and hope for a positive result.

    • I'm really hoping to get that promotion, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my boss sees my hard work.

      The idiom "keeping one's fingers crossed" is used to express the hope that something positive will happen despite not having complete confidence or control over the situation. In this example, the person is indicating that they are particularly hopeful about getting promoted and they are trying to increase their chances by crossing their fingers.

    • We really need to win this game, so I'm crossing my fingers for a victory.

      In this context, the person is using the idiom to express their belief that they will be successful in their endeavor, especially in situations where outcomes are uncertain or difficult to predict, such as sports events or important meetings.

    • I've been preparing for this test for weeks, but I'm still a little nervous, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a good grade.

      The usage of "keeping one's fingers crossed" in this situation shows the speaker's uncertainty about the outcome of the test despite their efforts, and indicates their hope that they will do well.

    • She's going in for surgery tomorrow, and I'm crossing my fingers for a successful outcome.

      In this example, the person is expressing their support for someone else going through a medical procedure and hoping for a positive outcome. The use of "keeping one's fingers crossed" displays the person's good intentions and positive thoughts while acknowledging the possible risks that come with any medical procedure.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "keep one’s fingers crossed" can be used to express the hope for good luck or to indicate a deceptive or dishonest action.

    Origin of "Keep one’s fingers crossed"

    The origin of the idiom "keep one’s fingers crossed" is not definitively known, but it is believed to have originated from the ancient Christian practice of making the sign of the cross to seek divine protection or blessing. Over time, the gesture evolved into crossing one’s fingers as a superstitious act to bring good luck. The idiom may also have roots in ancient pagan beliefs, where crossed fingers symbolized the power to ward off evil spirits.

    In modern usage, "keep one’s fingers crossed" has become a widely recognized expression to convey a hopeful or optimistic mindset. It is often used in casual conversation and is considered a lighthearted way to express a wish for positive outcomes.