What does “Keep your fingers crossed” mean?
"Keep your fingers crossed" means to physically cross your fingers as a gesture of hoping for good luck or success.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I have a job interview tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed for me!
Example
We're waiting to hear back about our offer on the house, so keep your fingers crossed.
Example
The team is playing in the championship game tonight, so keep your fingers crossed for a win
Is “Keep your fingers crossed” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep your fingers crossed” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Keep your fingers crossed” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep your fingers crossed" to express the hope for good luck or success in a situation. It's often used when someone is anticipating an outcome and wants to convey their optimism. For example, if a friend is going for a job interview, you might say, 'I have my fingers crossed for you!'
- 1Job Interview
I have a job interview tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed for me!
- 2Waiting for News
We're waiting to hear back about our offer on the house, so keep your fingers crossed.
- 3Sports Game
The team is playing in the championship game tonight, so keep your fingers crossed for a win.
Similar phrases to “Keep your fingers crossed”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep your fingers crossed” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep your fingers crossed" is unknown.
Is “Keep your fingers crossed” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Keep your fingers crossed" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their hope for a positive outcome or to encourage others to remain optimistic.
What tone does “Keep your fingers crossed” have?
"Keep your fingers crossed" conveys a tone of hopefulness and optimism. It's often used in a lighthearted and supportive context to wish someone luck or to express one's own positive expectations.
Can “Keep your fingers crossed” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Keep your fingers crossed" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of hoping for good luck or success. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as interviews, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I'm nervous about the exam, but I'll keep my fingers crossed.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Fingers crossed!' to imply the hope for a positive outcome.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- hope for the best
- wish for luck
- pray for a positive outcome
- cross your fingers
- send good vibes
Antonyms
- expect the worst
- give up hope
- assume failure
- be pessimistic
- not hold out hope
