PhrasesHub

Touch wood

    Definitions

      • to bring good luck
        To express a hope for continued good fortune or to ward off bad luck by knocking on wood

      • to avoid jinxing something
        To avoid tempting fate or causing something to go wrong by speaking too soon about a positive outcome

    Examples of Touch wood

    • The new manager has brought in some talented players, and if all goes well, we might just win the league this year. Touch wood.

      This phrase is used to express reluctance to jinx a positive situation. Here, the speaker acknowledges that winning the league is not yet a certainty, and by touching wood, they are hoping to avoid any misfortune or bad luck that could prevent them from achieving their goal.

    • I've been feeling pretty healthy lately, but you never know with these things. Let's hope I don't catch a cold anytime soon. Touch wood.

      This example shows the use of touch wood as a precautionary measure against potential misfortune. By saying "touch wood," the speaker is acknowledging that they recognize the uncertainty that comes with good health, and are hoping to avoid any sickness or illness that could disrupt their current state of wellbeing.

    • The company's shares have been on a steady rise these past few months, but who knows what the future holds? I hope this trend continues. Touch wood.

      This example of touch wood shows its use in the context of financial success. By saying "touch wood," the speaker is acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the stock market and is hoping to avoid any negative events that could cause the company's shares to decline. They are using touch wood as a way to protect their initial positive observation.

    • I've finally found a new job that I really like, but I'm still a bit nervous. Hopefully everything will go smoothly, and I won't have any issues. Touch wood.

      This example demonstrates the use of touch wood as a way to express cautious optimism about a new situation. By saying "touch wood," the speaker is acknowledging that it's still early days, and there's a possibility that things may not go as smoothly as they'd like. They are using touch wood as a way to protect their positive outlook and ward off any potential negative outcomes that could jeopardize their newfound employment.

    • The interview went well, touch wood.

      This is an example of using "touch wood" at the end of a sentence to express hope that good luck continues. It is a superstitious belief that touching wood brings good luck or prevents bad luck from occurring.

    • We finally found a parking spot, touch wood.

      This is an example of using "touch wood" after making a statement that could potentially have bad luck associated with it, such as finding a parking spot which is often a challenging task in heavily populated areas.

    • Our team has been winning all our games lately, touch wood.

      This is an example of using "touch wood" to express hope that a good run of luck will continue. It is often used in sports or competitive activities when the speaker wants to acknowledge that success is not guaranteed and they hope good luck will continue.

    • I passed all my exams this semester, touch wood.

      This is an example of using "touch wood" to express hope that the speaker's academic success will continue into the future. It can be used as a way to acknowledge that academic success is not always guaranteed and hoping good luck will continue.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "touch wood" is used to express a hope for good luck or to avoid jinxing something by knocking on wood. It is often used in casual conversation to acknowledge a positive outcome or to prevent a potential negative outcome.

    Origin of "Touch wood"

    The origin of the idiom "touch wood" can be traced back to ancient superstitions and folklore. In many cultures, wood has been believed to have protective qualities and to ward off evil spirits. The act of touching or knocking on wood was seen as a way to invoke good luck or prevent misfortune.

    The practice of touching wood as a superstitious gesture likely originated from the belief that trees and forests were inhabited by spirits or deities, and that by touching wood, one could invoke their protection. Over time, the gesture became associated with the expression of hope for good luck or the avoidance of tempting fate.

    In modern times, the idiom "touch wood" is used as a lighthearted way to acknowledge good fortune or to prevent bad luck, often in a playful or superstitious manner. It has become a widely recognized phrase in English-speaking cultures and is used in various contexts to express a hope for continued positive outcomes. Examples of this can be seen in phrases such as "I hope the weather stays good for the wedding, touch wood" or "I haven't had any car trouble lately, touch wood."