cross one's fingers

The idiom "cross one's fingers" involves a gesture where one finger is placed over another, often used to wish for good luck or secretly indicate insincerity.

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Definition

B2General

(common)To hope for a positive outcome or wish for good luck.

Example

  • She crossed her fingers and hoped she would get the job.
  • I'll cross my fingers for good weather tomorrow.

C1Deception

(informal)To make a gesture with one's fingers crossed, often behind one's back, as a way of secretly not meaning what one says.

Example

  • He crossed his fingers behind his back as he promised to help.
  • She told a lie but crossed her fingers to avoid the guilt.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cross one's fingers":

crossed fingersfingers crossedcross one's hearttouch woodknock on wood