Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
knock-on-wood
idiom
/nɒk ɒn wʊd/
Definition
A phrase used to ward off bad luck following a hope or statement about a positive outcome.
Examples
- I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow—knock on wood!
- I’ve been feeling great lately, knock on wood.
- We should be able to finish on time, knock on wood!
Meaning
The action of knocking on wood is believed to prevent bad luck or jinxing something that is hoped for.
Synonyms
- touch wood
