knock on wood

Meaning

Verb

To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement.

Intj

Hopefully; a self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.

Synonyms

touch wood

absit omen

Translations

toucher du bois

auf Holz klopfen

tocar madera

hout vasthouden

afkloppen

tocar fusta

bater na madeira

tahtaya vur

χτύπα ξύλο

Dieu m’en garde

Mon Dieu

toccare ferro

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌnɒk ɒn ˈwʊd/

Etymology

From a folk practice of unclear origin.