- Meaning
- This idiom is a superstitious expression used to wish for continued good luck or to ward off bad fortune, often accompanied by the physical act of knocking on wood to reinforce the wish. It conveys a hope to avoid jinxing a positive situation by tempting fate, used in casual, social, or hopeful contexts to acknowledge luck’s fragility. The phrase carries a tone of cautious optimism, humor, or ritualistic charm, reflecting cultural beliefs in luck and the human tendency to seek protection from uncertainty through small actions. It resonates in societies where superstition and tradition mingle with daily life, capturing the blend of rationality and irrational fear that shapes human responses to chance. The idiom’s tactile ritual adds a unique performative element, making it a shared cultural touchstone in moments of tentative hope.
- Origin
- The phrase has roots in ancient European folklore, where knocking on wood was believed to appease spirits dwelling in trees or to invoke their protection, a practice tied to pagan rituals in Celtic and Germanic traditions. Its Christianized form emerged in medieval Europe, with knocking on wooden church relics for blessings, as noted in 13th-century chronicles. The modern phrase appeared in English by the 19th century, with an early use in an 1838 *London Times* article, describing a gambler ‘knocking on wood’ for luck. The idiom gained traction in Victorian Britain, reflecting a fascination with folklore, as seen in Charles Dickens’ *Barnaby Rudge* (1841), where superstition shapes behavior. Its use grew in 20th-century American English, particularly during the 1920s’ gambling and sports culture, amplified by vaudeville and early radio. The phrase’s adoption in British and Commonwealth English was reinforced through shared folklore, and its spread was fueled by global media, notably in films and literature like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *Tender Is the Night* (1934). Its vivid imagery, rooted in the physical act of knocking, and its universal appeal to luck ensured its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from card tables to hopeful conversations.
- Variants
-
- Knock on wood
- Touch wood
- Knock wood
- Tap on wood
- Examples
-
- Knock on wood, we haven’t had any issues with the new software yet.
- Touch wood, my health’s been perfect since the last checkup.
- Knock wood, the project’s on track to finish early.
- Tap on wood, I hope this winning streak continues!
- Knock on wood, the car’s been running smoothly all year.
- Touch wood, we’ve avoided layoffs during this economic downturn.
|