Knock on wood
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
To wish for luck by tapping wood, warding off jinxes.
Origin
From 19th-century Britain, tied to pagan tree spirits; knocking woke luck, as in an 1850s folk tale of wood taps. A 1905 'Punch' uses it for a brag's hedge.
Usage Examples
- No accidents yet; knock on wood!
- She's acing it; knock on wood it lasts.
- Knock on wood, we'll win this round.
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