knock on wood

1. Some people say, “Knock on wood,” and then knock on something made of wood for good luck, when they have made a remark that has been true up to that point and they want it to continue to be true: “I've never had an accident yet, knock on wood.”

Notes

The expression alludes to an ancient superstition that touching wood would ward off evil spirits.

Idioms and Phrases

Also, touch wood . Express a wish that something will or will not occur, as in This last round of treatment should have cured her, knock on wood . This expression alludes to an ancient superstition that literally knocking on or touching wood will ward off evil spirits. [c. 1900]

Related Words

• anticipate
• assume
• believe
• cherish
• count on
• expect
• hold
• wish