knock on wood
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.”
QUIZZES
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Question 1 of 10
seclusion
notes for knock on wood
The expression alludes to an ancient superstition that touching wood would ward off evil spirits.
Words nearby knock on wood
knock-knee, knockoff, knock-on, knock-on effect, knock oneself out, knock on wood, knockout, knockout drops, knockout mouse, knock over, knock over with a feather
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Idioms and Phrases with knock on wood
knock on wood
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]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.