You may have heard someone use the term ‘knock on wood’ during an English conversation. We are going to look at what this term means and where it originally came from. We will also take a look at how we can use the phrase in our day to day conversations.
Knock on Wood
“Knock on Wood” Meaning
When someone uses the term ‘knock on wood’ they are wishing for good luck or good fortune.
Origin of this term
It is said that this idiom originated from the Pagan belief that spirits of the deceased lived inside wood. Should you wish for good luck you would knock on a piece of wood to alert the spirits to your request.
“Knock on Wood” Examples
Examples Sentences
This is a statement made by a husband to his wife.
- ‘I am really hoping that I get this new job, I’ll have to knock on wood.’
The next statement is one made by a person hoping to win a prize.
- ‘Knock on wood, I need to win this prize money to pay for my holiday.’
Other examples:
- We haven’t missed a deadline yet, knock on wood.
- Hopefully, knock on wood, Lieby is going to be in there most of the time.
- I haven’t had a cold all winter, knock on wood.
- I’ve never had a computer virus, knock on wood.
Conversation Examples
The term ‘knock on wood’ may appear in a number of different conversations. Here are some examples to show how it might sound.
The first conversation is taking place between two friends.
- Person 1: “Are you feeling positive about your university application?”
- Person 2: “I am but there are so many other candidates and only very few places.”
- Person 1: “Knock on wood, you will get in.”
This is a conversation between two people playing a lottery.
- Person 1: “I would absolutely love to win the lottery this week.”
- Person 2: “Yes, you could really do with the extra money, couldn’t you.”
- Person 1: “I really could, let’s knock on wood that I win.”
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
There are many other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘knock on wood.’
Here are some examples of things you could say.
- Touch wood
- Wish me luck
- Hope
- Keep fingers crossed
“Knock on Wood” Meaning | Image
