See thumb for an older gesture, of similar protective nature. Given its ubiquity in this country, it is surprising to find that the earliest reference found by Opie and Tatem only dated from 1912 (Leather, 1912: 88), where it is already linked to the ladder superstition.
Morris shows that the gesture is understood by some on mainland Europe but is only commonly found in Britain and parts of Scandinavia. after walking under a ladder) is one of our most well-understood gestures, although we may often say it-‘I'll cross my fingers for you’- rather than actually carry out the action. middle finger over index finger) ‘for luck’, or to ward off ill luck (e.g. Want to see more videos from Idioms.The act of crossing the fingers (i.e. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.Ģ5 Body Parts Idioms | Idioms Online Video This, in turn, is presumably a scaled-down version of the Christian practice of making the sign of the cross with one’s hand and arm. Used since the early 1900s, this idiom arose from the practice of crossing one’s index and middle fingers as a way of enlisting Providence and protecting one from danger or evil or bringing good luck. “I told mom that I didn’t have any candy at Jackie’s house, but I had my fingers crossed.” Origin “I hope she says yes.” “Well, I’ll keep my fingers crossed,” said Casey, “but of course she’s going to say yes.” “I’m going to ask Christine to marry me,” said Andy. “I think we may be getting a really big Christmas bonus this year.
“I feel good about this scratch-off ticket. I think I’m getting that raise! Cross your fingers.”
The person being addressed may or may not actually cross their fingers, but when one does so in modern times, it is usually somewhat humorous. Cross your fingers!” we are not actually asking another person to physically cross their fingers, but to wish us good luck. When we say “I’m going for my job interview. It is necessary here to differentiate the idiom(s) from the superstitious gesture they derived from and which may actually accompany them. This idiom is most often employed by one person saying to another person “cross your fingers” or “keep your fingers crossed.” Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Usage
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