🤞 Keep One’s Fingers Crossed, To
Definition: To hope for success or good fortune. This idiom originates from an ancient superstition suggesting that making the sign of the cross can ward off bad luck. The expression, often used as “Keep your fingers crossed,” is a plea for good luck or a show of hope.
Synonyms:
- Cross your fingers
- Knock on wood
- Pray for luck
- Hope for the best
Antonyms:
- Give up hope
- Accept defeat
- Drop the ball
Fun-filled Quotes:
- “I always keep my fingers crossed. That’s probably why I’m so bad at typing!” — Anonymously Ambidextrous
- “If crossing fingers were a surefire way to success, I’d have a permanent finger-ballet going on!” — Hopeful Harry
Similar Terms & Phrases:
- Knock on wood: Another superstition-based saying to ward off bad luck.
- Break a leg: A theatrical good-luck phrase with a wink of irony, used instead of “good luck” to avoid jinxing the performer.
- Lady Luck: Personification of good fortune often invoked in gambling and sports.
Proverbs:
- “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”
- “Fortune favors the brave.”
Suggested Literature & Movies:
- Books:
- Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
- The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman
- Movies:
- Luck (2021), an animated film about the world’s luckiest woman and the magical world of good luck and bad luck.
- Serendipity (2001), a romantic comedy exploring the idea of fate and destiny.
- Songs:
- “You Can’t Hurry Love” by Diana Ross & The Supremes
- “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Remember, while superstitions and crossed fingers can be a fun way to hope for success, real magic is often made through hard work, determination, and a dash of optimism. Keep your spirits high and your fingers crossed! 🌟
### Which of these sayings is an idiom for wishing good luck?
- [x] Keep one's fingers crossed
- [ ] Smiling with three thumbs
- [ ] Whistling in the wind
- [ ] Juggling jellybeans
> **Explanation:** "Keep one's fingers crossed" is a genuine idiom meaning to wish for good luck. The other options are whimsical but don't carry the same meaning.
### What is 'Knock on wood' used for?
- [ ] Start a party
- [ ] Reflect on deep thoughts
- [x] Ward off bad luck
- [ ] Plant a tree
> **Explanation:** 'Knock on wood' is a commonly used phrase to prevent bad luck or fend off negativity.
### True or False: 'Break a leg' is an idiom meant to show good wishes
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! In the theater world, saying "break a leg" is a way to wish someone good luck, albeit with a bit of irony.
### Is 'hope for the best, prepare for the worst' a proverb?
- [x] Yes
- [ ] No
> **Explanation:** Yes, it's a well-known proverb that advises optimism while also being prepared for potential unfavorable outcomes.
### What does 'Lady Luck' refer to?
- [ ] A superhero
- [ ] A historical figure
- [x] Personification of good fortune
- [ ] A name for a ship
> **Explanation:** ‘Lady Luck’ is a personification of good fortune, often invoked especially in contexts like gambling and betting.
