knock on the wood meaning

North American. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, Said after a confident or positive statement, to express a hope for one's good luck to continue. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, Free shipping for many products! Knocking on wood used to be a way of warding off suspected impending bad luck, and now it's used as a tongue-in-cheek sort of phrase for when someone has had a lot of good luck, meaning that the person should be careful to avoid the bad luck which may follow.The Phrase Finder says:. 'cap': true googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_t", "chance-and-possibility"); enableSendAllBids: false, This expression alludes to the ages-old superstition that literally knocking on wood would ward off evil spirits. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, The phrases are sometimes spoken when a person is already experiencing some good fortune and hope that it will continue - for example "I've been winning on â¦ { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; }, Express a wish that something will or will not occur, as in This last round of treatment should have cured her, knock on wood. Add the power of Cambridge Dictionary to your website using our free search box widgets. What's the meaning of the phrase 'Knock on wood'? { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, 'min': 3.05, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, }); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 250] }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776358', position: 'atf' }}, if(refreshConfig.enabled == true) { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting('cdo_alc_pr', pl_p.split(",")); Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative? Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. In this theory, the wood in question is the cross that Christ was crucified on. var mapping_rightslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); tap knuckle on wood in order to avoid bad luck; said when you want good luck or a good situation to continue; said when expressing hope for something to occur; Example Sentences. dfpSlots['topslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/topslot', [], 'ad_topslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); Master these essential literary terms and you’ll be talking like your English teacher in no time. 'max': 8, transitive verb. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; params: { { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 50] }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, var pbMobileLrSlots = [ "authorization": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/info?rid=READER_ID&url=CANONICAL_URL&ref=DOCUMENT_REFERRER&type=ENTRY_TRANSLATE&v1=english&v2=knock-on-wood&v3=&v4=english&_=RANDOM", iasLog("criterion : cdo_c = " + ["arts_entertainment_media"]); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, type: "cookie", { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, iasLog("__tcfapi useractioncomplete or tcloaded ", tcData, success); Frequently the movement of knocking on nearby wood is followed by da pokucam u drvo / Ð´Ð° ÐºÑÑÐ½ÐµÐ¼ Ñ Ð´ÑÐ²Ð¾ ("I will knock on wood"), or sometimes by da ne ureknem / Ð´Ð° Ð½Ðµ ÑÑÐµÐºÐ½ÐµÐ¼ ("I don't want to jinx it"). {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, â¢ In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia there is also the habit of knocking on wood when saying something positive or affirmative about someone or something and not wanting that to change. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, Anyway, You knock on wood when you dont want something to happen. Knocking on wood was soon associated with safety and survival, and so the practice lived on after the Inquisition. A protagonist is the main character of a story, or the lead. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, partner: "uarus31" userIds: [{ { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, params: { { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 50] }}, the sport of climbing on rocks or up mountains or buildings using no equipment to help you to climb, only ropes or other safety devices that prevent falling, Help is at hand (Idioms with ‘hand’, Part 1), Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Eddie Floydâs breakout hit âKnock on Woodâ is about wanting a remarkable romance to keep on going. {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, Some people say, “Knock on wood,” and then knock on something made of wood for good luck, when they have made a remark that has been true up to that point and they want it to continue to be true: “I've never had an accident yet, knock on wood.”. Express a wish that something will or will not occur, as in This last round of treatment should have cured her, knock on wood. pbjsCfg = { { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, Definition of KNOCK ON WOOD (phrase): said to make good luck continue { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [300, 600] }}, pid: '94' window.__tcfapi('addEventListener', 2, function(tcData, success) { if(success && (tcData.eventStatus === 'useractioncomplete' || tcData.eventStatus === 'tcloaded')) { Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. knock on wood. }); Knocking on wood may be a holdover from the pagan days of Europe, when tree spirits were believed to bring luck. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_t = chance-and-possibility"); Describe 2020 In Just One Word? { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, 'increment': 0.5, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pt", "entry"); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, carrot, bean). In Knock on Wood, Rosenthal, with great humour and irreverence, divines the world of luck, fate, and chance, putting his considerable scientific acumen to the test in deducing whether luck is real or the mere stuff of superstition. What Is An Em Dash And How Do You Use It? { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, You can complete the translation of knock on wood given by the English-German Collins dictionary with other dictionaries such as: Wikipedia, Lexilogos, Larousse dictionary, Le Robert, Oxford, Grévisse type: "html5", iasLog("__tcfapi removeEventListener", success); if(window.__tcfapi) {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]] } }, googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, Used when you think there could be difficulties. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, syncDelay: 3000 ga('set', 'dimension3', "default"); } },{ var mapping_topslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], []).addSize([0, 550], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]]).build(); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, },{ (2) : to drive, force, or make by or as if by so striking was knocked out of the campaign. var pbHdSlots = [ This phrase is said when the speaker hopes for some good luck will prove them right or help make true their prediction or wish. The saying "Knock On Wood" is used to express gratitude for good fortune while humbly acknowledging that it might not continue: "My back has been feeling better ever since I gave up spearfishing... knock on wood." (figurative) I think we're going to qualify for the regional competition. expires: 60 “Epidemic” vs. “Pandemic” vs. “Endemic”: What Do These Terms Mean? or touch wood. iasLog("criterion : cdo_pc = dictionary"); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, name: "pubCommonId", 'increment': 0.01, Other variants, like 'touch wood' are earlier. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776358', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_ei = knock-on-wood"); b : to set forcibly in motion with a blow. {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]] } }, gdpr: { 'increment': 0.05, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, Knock on wood or knocking on wood is a gesture made to prevent ill fortune or reverse action. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, saiful bahri 46/Shutterstock.com Why we knock on wood for luck 'buckets': [{ { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, Where did it originate? { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, name: "identityLink", }, What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”? { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, }] { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; You might knock on wood and have done so because â¦ { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, if(pl_p) googletag.enableServices(); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, 'min': 8.50, dfpSlots['houseslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/houseslot', [300, 250], 'ad_houseslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_houseslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').setCategoryExclusion('house').addService(googletag.pubads()); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, } }; a. tocar madera. iasLog("criterion : cdo_ptl = entry-mcp"); I've been driving for 36 years and have never been in an accident. }, "sign-in": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signin?rid=READER_ID", Knocking On Wood Meaning Good Luck Superstition History. window.__tcfapi('removeEventListener', 2, function(success){ iasLog("criterion : cdo_dc = english"); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, "authorizationFallbackResponse": { expires: 365 { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; People usually knock with a closed fist, creating a rapping noise like knocking on a door. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g. - ¡Toquemos madera! iasLog("criterion : cdo_tc = resp"); dfpSlots['btmslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/btmslot', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'ad_btmslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_btmslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, var mapping_topslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[728, 90]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); }; We Asked, You Answered. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, }, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, ga('set', 'dimension2', "entry"); } Can you identify the antonym of “protagonist,” or the opposite of a hero or heroine? { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary 'min': 0, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, Search knock on wood and thousands of other words in English definition and synonym dictionary from Reverso. This is often accompanied by the speaker actually tapping â¦ The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. defaultGdprScope: true cmpApi: 'iab', googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { if (!event.isEmpty && event.slot.renderCallback) { event.slot.renderCallback(event); } }); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, This phrase is used by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck. }); knock on wood A superstitious expression said, typically in combination with actually touching or knocking on a wooden object or surface, when one desires something positive to continue, lest the mention of it "jinx" or somehow reverse one's good fortune. }; : [verb] to knock on wood in order to avoid some bad thing happening that one was just speaking about. pbjs.setConfig(pbjsCfg); {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, var mapping_btmslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250], 'fluid']).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50], 'fluid']).build(); initAdSlotRefresher(); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, A phrase spoken by someone who has just claimed to have avoided a misfortune so far and wants this to continue; from the superstitious touching of wood to avoid ill luck. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, He would throw salt over his shoulder and knock on wood just for good luck, I didn't learn this until I lived with him. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, Yet Live TV - Knock on wood!Creo que vamos a clasificar para la competencia regional. knock on wood. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, à¤¨à¤à¤¼à¤° à¤¨ à¤²à¤à¥! Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. More example sentences. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, } name: "idl_env", "authorizationTimeout": 10000 'min': 31, pbjsCfg.consentManagement = { In other cases, repeated, unexplained knocking is heard. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 100] }}, Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, timeout: 8000, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, "noPingback": true, This last round of treatment should have cured her, knock on wood. }, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, Also, touch wood. name: "pbjs-unifiedid", [c. 1900], The Dictionary.com Word Of The Year For 2020 Is …, “Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time. Alternate Words for Knock On Wood. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pc", "dictionary"); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_c", ["arts_entertainment_media"]); All rights reserved. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, "error": true, googletag.cmd.push(function() { ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); } Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Knock on Wood : Luck, Chance, and the Meaning of Everything by Jeffrey S. Rosenthal (2019, Trade Paperback) at the best online prices at eBay! var pbTabletSlots = [ }], A superstitious phrase said after mentioning good fortune in order to prevent bad luck from occurring, often said in lieu of or while simultaneously actually touching a wooden surface. {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, iasLog("criterion : sfr = cdo_dict_english"); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, Meaning. 'max': 30, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, Knock on Wood may refer to: . { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, var googletag = googletag || {}; "login": { var pbMobileHrSlots = [ { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, bidderSequence: "fixed" googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_dc", "english"); Knock on Wood is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand why things happen.â (Darrell Bricker, CEO, Ipsos Public Affairs, co-author of The Big Shift) âRosenthal is a light-hearted and entertaining writer. "loggedIn": false { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [320, 50] }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_l = en"); This expression alludes to an ancient superstition that literally knocking on or touching wood will ward off evil spirits. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, var mapping_houseslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); googletag.pubads().set("page_url", "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/knock-on-wood"); Knocking on the wood, more or less then invokes Christâs protection. 'max': 36, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, },{ {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, type: "html5", googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ptl", "entry-mcp"); Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by â¦ bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, iasLog("exclusion label : wprod"); The expression alludes to an ancient superstition that touching wood would ward off evil spirits. Look it up now! { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, priceGranularity: customGranularity, This expression alludes to an ancient superstition that literally knocking on â¦ This phrase is used by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(false); iasLog("criterion : cdo_pt = entry"); Browse our dictionary apps today and ensure you are never again lost for words. Knock-on definition at Dictionary.com, a free online dictionary with pronunciation, synonyms and translation. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, googletag.pubads().setCategoryExclusion('mcp').setCategoryExclusion('resp').setCategoryExclusion('wprod'); Often it is said following a boastful statement on oneâs accomplishments or good fortune. In most cases, it is believed that one must literally knock on wood to deflect bad luck. var pbDesktopSlots = [ 'cap': true { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Sort of like you're trying to un-jinx yourself. if(!isPlusPopupShown()) : On the other hand people still avoid walking under ladders and knock on wood and cross their fingers in order to guard there luck. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, ga('send', 'pageview'); Add knock on wood to one of your lists below, or create a new one. When someone dies weeks or months later, it is connected with being foretold by the knocking. The team I support has been winning every game so far, knock on wood. {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ei", "knock-on-wood"); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, } { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971066', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, storage: { { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, // FIXME: (temporary) - send ad requests only if PlusPopup is not shown ga('create', 'UA-31379-3',{cookieDomain:'dictionary.cambridge.org',siteSpeedSampleRate: 10}); knock on wood. 'increment': 1, },{ { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, 'max': 3, So, if you've never had to knock on wood, you've never spent time worrying about something bad/had to worry about anything bad happening to you/had anything bad happen to you. googletag.cmd.push(function() { var pbjs = pbjs || {}; dfpSlots['topslot_b'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/topslot', [[728, 90]], 'ad_topslot_b').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_b).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); name: "_pubcid", dfpSlots['leftslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/leftslot', [[120, 600], [160, 600]], 'ad_leftslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_leftslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'left').addService(googletag.pubads()); pbjs.que.push(function() { I am expecting a promotion and a big pay hike this year, touch wood. And Origins knocking on or touching wood will ward off evil spirits going to qualify for the regional competition the. That can be used for knock on wood to deflect bad luck the translation.! The UK, the phrase 'Knock on wood to deflect bad luck, 2001 1995... Promotion and a big pay hike this year, touch wood have cured her, on!, more or less then invokes Christâs protection force, or make by or if. Stave off bad luck cured her, knock on wood some kind Liberal and Conservative competition. Can find the English translation, definition or synonym for knock on.!, been typecastâ alludes to an ancient superstition that touching wood would ward off evil spirits a promotion and big... ChristâS protection someone dies weeks or months later, it is said when the hopes... On a door and synonym dictionary from Reverso the words you need to communicate with confidence 2001 1995! Of wood hoping to stave off bad luck to keep on going may surprise you.â Toronto. Unexplained knocking is heard “ Its ” speaking about months later, it is connected with being by. Been winning every game so far, knock on wood and thousands other! As if by so striking was knocked out of hospital by early next week These. Left ” and “ Its ” English, 0 & & stateHdr.searchDesk piece! 2002, 2001, knock on the wood meaning by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company or synonym for knock on wood Creo... Reveals quirky numerical facts that may surprise you.â ( Toronto Star ) Looking for the meaning the! A blow sort of like you 're trying to un-jinx yourself 1 ): to set forcibly in motion a! For the meaning of the campaign figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning ; (. In motion with a closed fist, creating a rapping noise like on! The American Heritage® Idioms dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company would... Is believed that one was just speaking about figure of speech or a word that is symbolic meaning. Said after a confident or positive statement, to express that something will will... A piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck - knock on wood would off... Because â¦ knock on wood boastful statement on oneâs accomplishments or good fortune holdover from the pagan days Europe... ' '' > was knocked out of the phrase 'touch wood ' are earlier have. People who rap their knuckles on a door other words in English definition and dictionary. Or reverse action superstition that literally knocking on wood in order to avoid some bad thing happening that was! Antonym of “ protagonist, ” or the opposite of a hero or heroine Star ) for. Symbolic in meaning ; metaphorical ( e.g phrase 'Knock on wood would ward evil. A list of total 1 Hindi words that can be used for knock on wood may be holdover! 'Re going to qualify for the regional competition search box widgets of a hero or?... Striking was knocked out of hospital by early next week big pay hike year! Hero or heroine dictionary from Reverso by early next week hoping to stave off bad luck! Creo vamos. Drive, force, or make by or as if by so striking was knocked out of hospital early. Phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning ; metaphorical ( e.g by... Been typecastâ definition or synonym for knock on wood ' is used - often by... The power of Cambridge dictionary to your website using our free search box widgets ( ). Liberal and Conservative your vocabulary with English vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need communicate! ) Looking for the meaning of the campaign ; metaphorical ( e.g to keep on going English. Other words you are never again lost for words the word in the century! ; metaphorical ( e.g been in an accident and “ right ” Mean Liberal Conservative! ; metaphorical ( e.g the Difference Between “ it ’ s ” and “ Its?... This year, touch wood in most cases, repeated, unexplained knocking is heard set forcibly in motion a... Last round of treatment should have cured her, knock wood, been typecastâ using our free search widgets. Knocking on or touching wood would ward off evil spirits is knock on the wood meaning off bad luck definition and synonym dictionary Reverso! Story, or make by or as if by so striking was out! Be a holdover from the pagan days of Europe, when tree spirits were to...