“Knock on Wood” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

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” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “knock on wood” is an expression used to ward off bad luck or prevent jinxing a positive situation. It is often said after mentioning something good or hopeful to avoid tempting fate. The act of physically knocking on wood (or pretending to do so) is meant to invoke good luck or protection.
Knock on Wood Pin
Knock on Wood – Created by 7ESL

“Knock on Wood” Meaning

The phrase “knock on wood” is used as a superstition to prevent bad luck or to avoid tempting fate after mentioning a hopeful or positive statement. It suggests that one should perform a gesture of knocking on a wooden surface to ward off any jinx or misfortune that may arise from speaking about good fortune or future plans.

Examples:

  • “I haven’t caught a cold this winter, knock on wood!”
  • “We’re doing well in our project; let’s hope it continues—knock on wood!”

Origin of This Term

The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is thought to date back to ancient cultures that believed trees (especially oak trees) held protective spirits. By knocking on wood, people believed they could call upon these spirits for protection or to ensure continued good luck.

Usage of “Knock on Wood”

  • In a conversation about health:

“I’ve been feeling great lately, knock on wood, so I hope it continues!”

  • When discussing plans:

“The event is still on schedule, knock on wood. Let’s hope the weather stays nice.”

  • In a casual setting:

“I’ve never had a flat tire on this car, knock on wood!”

  • During a discussion about work:

“Our team has been hitting all our deadlines, knock on wood. Let’s keep it up!”

Related Terms to “Knock on Wood”

  • Touch wood – a variation of the phrase used in British English with the same meaning.
  • Fingers crossed – a gesture of crossing one’s fingers to bring good luck or hope for a positive outcome.
  • Superstition – beliefs or practices that are not based on scientific reasoning, often related to luck.
  • Good luck charm – an object believed to bring good fortune or ward off bad luck.
  • Jinx – a curse or spell that brings bad luck or misfortune; often referred to in contexts where one might accidentally invite bad luck by speaking about it.
  • Ward off – to prevent something undesirable from happening.
  • Hope for the best – a phrase expressing optimism about future outcomes.
  • Avoid tempting fate – a phrase indicating the desire not to provoke bad luck or misfortune by making positive statements.
  • Beware of the evil eye – a superstition regarding the belief that a malevolent glare can cause harm or bad luck.
  • Break a leg – a phrase used to wish someone good luck, especially in performance contexts, with a similar undertone of superstition.

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” 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.”
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