touch wood
The phrase "touch wood" is an idiomatic expression used to ward off bad luck, commonly used in the UK, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and India.
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🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal, superstitious)To touch a wooden object to prevent bad luck or to ensure continued good fortune.
Example
- I haven't been sick all year, touch wood.
- The project is going smoothly so far, touch wood.
B2Conversation
(informal, superstitious)Said to express a hope that a positive situation will continue, often while physically touching wood.
Example
- Our team has been winning every game, touch wood.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "touch wood":
knock on woodwood antcross one's fingerstouch grassknock onfingers crossedcrossed fingers