PhrasesHub

Knock on wood

    Definitions

      • to wish for good luck or to prevent bad luck
        To express a hope for good fortune or to ward off potential misfortune by physically knocking on a wooden surface

      • to avoid jinxing a positive situation
        To ward off the possibility of tempting fate or jinxing a positive situation by knocking on wood as a superstitious gesture

    Examples of Knock on wood

    • As soon as I finish this presentation, my luck will change for the better. But knock on wood, I don't want to jinx myself.

      The speaker is expressing optimism about a future situation, but to prevent any misfortune or bad luck, they say "knock on wood" as a precautionary measure.

    • We finally found a house that we love. Knock on wood, the closing goes smoothly.

      The speaker is hoping that a particular outcome will occur without any unexpected obstacles. By saying "knock on wood," they are acknowledging that there are things beyond their control, and expressing a desire to avoid any potential issues.

    • I'm feeling much better today. Knock on wood, I hope this cold is finally going away.

      The speaker is wishing for a positive outcome and is acknowledging that they are still vulnerable to bad luck or misfortune. By saying "knock on wood," they are expressing hope that their good luck will continue, and that they won't experience any further setbacks.

    • Tom is up for a big promotion at work. Knock on wood, everything falls into place and he gets the job.

      The speaker is wishing for a positive outcome for someone else, and is acknowledging that there are things beyond their control that could prevent the desired outcome from occurring. By saying "knock on wood," they are expressing hope that everything will proceed smoothly for the person they're wishing well for.

    • I've had a great year so far, but I still knock on wood every time I say that.

      This is a common way to use the idiom "knock on wood" to express a superstitious belief that saying something positive will bring bad luck. By knocking on wood, the speaker is trying to avoid attracting bad luck and ensure that the positive outcome will continue.

    • My interview went really well today, knock on wood.

      In this example, the speaker has had a successful interview, and is using the idiom "knock on wood" to express their hope that the outcome will remain positive. By knocking on wood, the speaker is showing that they are aware of the superstition that saying positive things aloud can bring bad luck, and are attempting to counteract that belief.

    • I've been feeling really healthy lately, knock on wood.

      Like in the previous example, the speaker is acknowledging a positive outcome and expressing their hope that it will continue. By using the idiom "knock on wood," the speaker is showing their awareness of the superstition that saying positive things out loud can bring bad luck, and is attempting to mitigate that belief.

    • We've had a string of good luck lately, knock on wood.

      Here, the speaker is expressing gratitude for a series of favorable outcomes and trying to ensure that the positive trend will continue. By using the idiom "knock on wood," the speaker is displaying their respect for superstition and attempting to avoid bringing about bad luck by explicitly acknowledging the possibility.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "knock on wood" is used to express a hope for good luck or to prevent bad luck. It can also be used to avoid jinxing a positive situation. People often physically knock on a wooden surface while saying this phrase as a superstitious gesture to ward off potential misfortune or to avoid tempting fate.

    Origin of "Knock on wood"

    The origin of the idiom "knock on wood" is believed to be rooted in ancient pagan traditions and superstitions. In many cultures, it was believed that spirits and gods resided in trees, so by knocking on wood, people were seeking the protection and favor of these higher powers. Over time, the practice evolved into a superstitious gesture to ward off bad luck or to prevent tempting fate.

    The phrase has been used in various forms in different cultures, but its exact origins are difficult to trace. It has become a widely recognized superstition in English-speaking countries and is often used in casual conversation to express a hope for good luck or to avoid jinxing a positive situation.