Knock on wood
Meaning
To tap a wooden surface, often while speaking, to ward off bad luck or to ensure a current good fortune continues.
Origin
The phrase "knock on wood" stems from ancient pagan beliefs that trees were home to benevolent spirits, fairies, or even gods. When good fortune was mentioned, people would knock on the trunk of a tree to thank these entities and ensure the good luck would continue, or to prevent mischievous spirits—who might be listening—from spoiling their happiness. This simple act was a way of invoking protection, a silent plea for the spirits to safeguard their blessings against envy or ill fate, transforming from a sacred ritual into a common, unconscious gesture against hubris that endures to this day.
Examples
- I haven't had a single sick day all year, knock on wood, so I hope it stays that way.
- The project is going smoothly so far, knock on wood, and we're ahead of schedule.