Touch wood: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Touch wood” mean?

"Touch wood" means to lightly tap or knock on a wooden surface, usually as a superstitious gesture to ward off bad luck or to ensure that something good continues to happen.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I've been feeling great lately, touch wood.

Example

I hope the weather stays nice for our picnic, touch wood.

Example

I've never had a car accident, touch wood

Is “Touch wood” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Touch wood” 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 “Touch wood” effectively in context?

You can use "Touch wood" as a superstitious gesture to express a desire for good luck or to ensure that something positive continues to happen. For example, if you've been feeling great lately, you might say, 'I've been feeling great lately, "touch wood".'

• 1. Health

  After recovering from a cold, she said, 'I hope I stay healthy, touch wood.'

• 2. Weather

  Before a picnic, someone might say, 'I hope the weather stays nice, touch wood.'

• 3. Safety

  When discussing driving, someone might say, 'I've never had a car accident, touch wood.'

Similar phrases to “Touch wood”:

Knock on wood

To tap or knock on wood as a superstitious gesture to ward off bad luck or to ensure that something good continues to happen

Example

She said, 'I've never been late for work, knock on wood.'

Cross one's fingers

To intertwine one's fingers as a superstitious gesture to bring good luck or to express a desire for something positive to happen

Example

He crossed his fingers and said, 'I hope I pass the exam.'

Keep one's fingers crossed

To maintain a superstitious gesture of crossed fingers to bring good luck or to express a desire for something positive to happen

Example

She kept her fingers crossed and said, 'I hope the event goes well.'

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Touch wood” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Touch wood" is unknown. It is believed to have originated from ancient pagan rituals where people would touch or knock on wood to invoke the protection of spirits or gods.

Is “Touch wood” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Touch wood" is a common expression in everyday conversation, especially in English-speaking countries. People often use it as a superstitious gesture to ward off bad luck or to express a desire for something positive to continue.

What tone does “Touch wood” have?

"Touch wood" conveys a tone of superstition and hope. It's often used in a lighthearted manner to acknowledge the possibility of negative outcomes while expressing a desire for good luck.

Can “Touch wood” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Touch wood" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized expression that is commonly used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, in more formal situations, it may be more appropriate to use alternative phrases such as 'I hope everything continues to go well' or 'I'm keeping my fingers crossed.'

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've been feeling great lately, "touch wood".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Touch wood"!' to express a desire for good luck.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• knock on wood
• cross one's fingers
• keep one's fingers crossed
• hope for the best
• wish for good luck

Antonyms

• temper optimism
• expect the worst
• prepare for the worst
• assume bad luck