# knock on wood

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/knock-on-wood
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement.

## Examples

- I have never been sick, knock on wood.
- I haven't lost my keys all year, knock on wood.
- The project is going perfectly so far, knock on wood, so we should finish on time.
- Our flight is still scheduled to depart on time, knock on wood, despite the heavy rain starting to fall outside.
- The new heating system works much better than the old one, knock on wood, so we should stay warm all winter.
- She mentioned that her car had never broken down during a long trip and, quickly knocking on wood, hoped her luck would hold for the journey ahead.

## Origin

The phrase arises from a folk practice of unclear origin, lacking specific recorded dates or named progenitors in the historical record. Theories regarding its provenance typically suggest a connection to ancient beliefs in tree spirits or the protective qualities of timber, though the exact transition from superstitious gesture to linguistic idiom remains unproven. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.