“Fingers Crossed” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 5, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiomatic phrase “fingers crossed” is used frequently in everyday conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this expression and the story of its origin. You will also find examples of how to use the expression properly in conversations/statements, followed by suggestions on how you can say the phrase differently and still convey the same meaning.

Fingers Crossed Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “fingers crossed” is used to express hope or wish for good luck or a positive outcome in a situation. People often physically cross their fingers as a gesture to symbolize this hope. It’s commonly said when someone is awaiting a result or outcome that they are hoping will go their way.
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Fingers Crossed – Created by 7ESL

“Fingers Crossed” Meaning

The phrase “fingers crossed” is an idiomatic expression used to convey hope for a positive outcome or good luck in a situation. It typically implies that someone is wishing for something to happen successfully and is often accompanied by the physical act of crossing one’s fingers, which is considered a superstition to ward off bad luck.

Examples:

  • “I have an interview tomorrow; fingers crossed that I get the job!”
  • “We’re hoping for good weather for the picnic—fingers crossed!”

Origin of This Idiomatic Expression

The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of crossing your fingers. The act itself dates back to early Christianity where Christians would cross their fingers as a sign of the cross and their beliefs. Throughout many years, the symbolism for this act came to mean good luck or well wishes instead and the idiomatic phrase was born.

Usage of “Fingers Crossed”

  • Before an important event:

“I’ve submitted my application for the scholarship—fingers crossed I get it!”

  • Awaiting results:

“The exam was tough, but I think I did okay. Fingers crossed for good results!”

  • In casual conversation:

“We’re planning a picnic for tomorrow. Fingers crossed the weather stays nice!”

  • Hoping for a positive outcome:

“She applied for the promotion. Fingers crossed she gets it!”

Related Terms to “Fingers Crossed”

  • Knock on wood – a superstition used to prevent bad luck after mentioning a hope or wish.
  • Wish me luck – a direct expression asking someone to hope for good fortune on your behalf.
  • Hope for the best – an expression of optimism regarding an uncertain situation.
  • Keep your fingers crossed – a variation that emphasizes the act of hoping for a positive outcome.
  • Pray for good luck – to ask for divine favor or assistance in achieving a desired outcome.
  • Here’s hoping – an informal way to express hope for a positive outcome.
  • Cross your fingers – similar to “fingers crossed,” this phrase encourages the act of wishing for good fortune.
  • Best of luck – a phrase wishing someone success in their endeavors.
  • All we can do is wait – indicating acceptance of the uncertainty while hoping for a positive result.
  • Inshallah – an Arabic term meaning “God willing,” often used to express hope for future events.

Other Ways to Say “Fingers Crossed”

As is the case with all idiomatic phrases, there are many ways you can convey the same meaning in more literal terms. Some of the things you could say instead include hopefully, here’s hoping or God willing.

“Fingers Crossed” synonyms:

  • Hopefully
  • Good luck
  • Pray
  • Hope for the best
  • Best of luck

“Fingers Crossed” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement in the newspaper by a local man.

  • “Fingers crossed that this plan to repair the city’s roads will go better than the last.”

A statement made by a hockey player right before his big game.

  • “Fingers crossed we will go out and win tonight!”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two students in the same class.

  • Student 1: Did you do your homework last night?
  • Student 2: We had homework? I must have forgotten!
  • Student 1: Yeah me too! Fingers crossed we have a substitute today!

A conversation between a mom and her daughter.

  • Daughter: I want a puppy.
  • Mom: Well, you know your dad doesn’t like animals and doesn’t want a puppy in the house.
  • Daughter: Fingers crossed he changes his mind.

More useful examples:

  • “Please let it be him,” said Sara, keeping her fingers crossed for luck.
  • Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that he is not too bad.
  • The exam’s at two. Will you keep your fingers crossed for me?
  • Good luck! We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you.
  • People have kept their fingers crossed and made do.
  • We’re keeping our fingers crossed that she’s going to be OK.
  • We’re just hoping the weather stays nice and keeping our fingers crossed.
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