[1] The same reference claims that knocking on wood is also used in some form of Christianity, but in a different context, where the wood represents the cross. The expression 'knock on wood' originates in a very old superstition that said one could avoid bad luck by touching wood. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, knock on wood means to knock on something made of wood, as you said, as a superstitious act to ward off misfortune or bad luck. "Knock on wood" comes from at least the 19th century, according to sources, but the true origin remains unknown and heavily discussed. Traditions of this sort still persist in Ireland. Others believe the . cagi/Shutterstock. One common explanation traces the phenomenon to ancient times, who believed that spirits and gods resided in trees. of "feel confident" as a synonym for "knock on wood" Suggest new. From Knock on wood "Kyrja: What is the origin of "knock on wood"? "Knock On Wood" is an electro-punk genre song, and the lyrics with the theme of "Knock On Wood", which means the act of knocking on a tree for good luck The content is drawn through storytelling like a fairy tale. Brass Monkey Weather. Arranger. There are laser-gun pew-pews and explosive thuds . Knocking on wood is thought to come from the folklore of the ancient Indo-Europeans, or possibly people who predated them, who believed that trees were home to various spirits. knock on wood Also found in: Thesaurus , Medical , Acronyms , Idioms , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . The first recorded evidence of people saying "Touch wood" (the British version of "Knock on wood") comes from the 1800s. Find out what connects these two synonyms. 1. trust. The meaning of "knock on wood". You Are What You Eat. This phrase was an appeal to tree-dwelling spirits in the oak, ash, hazel, hawthorn and willow to ward off bad luck. English music album The Greatest Sixties Album. Both phrases, however, were predated by a Latin version: "absit omen," which means "far be that . This expression alludes to the ages-old superstition that literally knocking on wood would ward off evil spirits . It came from people wishing for something, being grateful for good fortune, by often knocking on a wooden table or door for luck while saying . " Knock on wood ". Answer (1 of 11): "Knock on wood" is an idiom which is primarily British in origin, although stated differently than this one which is American in origin. The exact origin of the phrase "knock on wood" is unknown, however many speculate that is could have come from rituals in early times where trees were considered sacred spirits. 2. hold. Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd song) " Knock on Wood " is a 1966 hit song written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper and originally performed by Floyd. No Spring Chicken. The derivation may be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology, or with the Christian cross. Knocking on the wood, more or less then invokes Christ's protection. 0 complaints for Knock On Wood. synonym . Brass Monkey Weather. "Touch wood, it's sure to come good," is the proverbial saying. While the origins of "knock on wood" may never be known for certain, the superstition remains popular around the globe and has even given rise to several local variations. Emoji Meaning One or two stumps of wood, cut so the rings are showing. The Celts, who were native to the British Isles, believed spirits inhabited trees, and that knocking on them was a way to show gratitude, or to summon those spirits for protection. It used to be considered good luck to tap trees to let the wood spirits within know you were there. There's also a Jewish version of "knock on wood" origin that contends the practice originated in the 1490s during the Spanish Inquisition under the infamous Torquemada. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, knock on wood means to knock on something made of wood, as you said, as a superstitious act to ward off misfortune or bad luck. Learn more. 5.0 rating. Breaking the ice. One of the most common involves an old children's schoolyard game from Britain called "Tiggy Touchwood." Similar to how children play tag today, if a child touched wood any kind of wood while playing the game, they were considered . Knock On Wood is rated with a B rating from Business Consumer Alliance as of 6/7/2022. [1] The song has become covered by later artists, most notably Amii Stewart in 1979. The phrase originated based on a superstition that knocking or touching wood will ward off evil spirits. Express a wish that something will or will not occur. Knocking on wood was soon associated with safety and survival, and so the practice lived on after the Inquisition. Explore Urdupoint to find out more popular Idioms and Idiom Meanings, to amplify your writings. Idiom Origins - Knock on wood - History of Knock on wood. " Knock On Wood " is a song by Red Velvet. KEVIN MCLEAN: Yeah, yeah. Example: Meaning: Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid bad luck or to continue having good luck. Christine Ammer, The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms (1997) has this: knock on wood Also, touch wood. In number of Christian communities, the belief is touching wood, you touching the wood of cross and are seeking protection of God. Either way, the term "touch wood" predated "knock on wood," according to the site. Turkish people often pull. The meaning of KNOCK is to strike something with a sharp blow. knock on their doors; Knock on Wood; knock on wood! It's the third track in the eighth mini album, Queendom . The expression 'knock on wood' originates in a very old superstition that said one could avoid bad luck by touching wood. Knocking on wood is thought to come from the folklore of the ancient Indo-Europeans, or possibly people who predated them, who believed that trees were home to various spirits. Later on any wood which was touched would represent the wood of the cross. Understand the difference between Knock on wood and Feel confident. The origin is unknown, though some . In old English folklore, "knocking on wood" also referred to when people spoke of secrets - they went into the isolated woods to talk privately and "knocked" on the trees when they were talking to hide their communication from evil spirits who would be unable to hear when they knocked. Meaning: If good luck is willing. Mel Goodman: In the middle ages Christian pilgrims would carry a small wooden cross with then which they would touch for luck. Why we knock on wood for luck. 1. wish. Is touch wood an idiom? 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. 1. anticipate. 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:. {c. 'Touch wood' or 'knock on wood' is a popular saying intended to reverse any bad luck that might come our way, especially in regard to something we've just done or said. 2. cherish. Psychic Library says knocking on . 2. hide The service provides to you data about app markets: keywords and positions, reviews and reviewers, competitors and customer analytics. Over My Dead Body. North American. Example: I am sure that your tax returns will not be audited, knock on wood. 2. believe. It is one of the most commonly used expressions in English writings. Knock On Wood. 1. want . 2. knock ( n.) the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing); the knocking grew louder. More example sentences. To masturbate, said of males. This expression alludes to an ancient superstition that literally knocking on or touching wood will ward off evil spirits. saiful bahri 46/Shutterstock.com. Meaning of Knock On Wood. Meanings and origins of thousands of idioms, curious words, and slang. Stewart's disco version was the most successful on weekly music charts. What's the origin of the phrase 'Knock on wood'? Putting Lipstick on a Pig. knock on wood definition: 1. said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past. Origin Theories British folklorist Steve Roud wrote that the origin of the expression knock on wood is a Victorian children's game called "Tiggy Touchwood," a type of tag where kids are only safe when they were touching wood. According to several Native American tribes, when the thumping of a stick 3 times on the . Whenever the druids said something about good or bad fortune, they'd knock on the wood to perk up the spirits to work in their favor. To knock on wood or to touch wood is done to ward off unlucky consequences, get rid of evil spirits, to undo something that is said that could possibly tempt fate or to bring good luck. Learn more. And actually, in the UK they say touch wood. Some believe it's a pagan tradition from the Celts, who thought trees were the homes of gods . Putting Lipstick on a Pig. You may not even know why you bother to. Well, it is a very common superstition. See more phrases. 1. This magical formula, put as touch wood in Great Britain, is based on the superstition that touching or rapping on anything wooden will avoid a disaster, especially after one has boasted. Origin: One theory is that it originated in the middle ages when there were in circulation, pieces of the Holy Rood or Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Also used in idioms with wood like knock on wood or out of It derives from the pagan belief that malevolent spirits inhabited wood, and that if you expressed a hope for the future you should touch, or knock on, wood to prevent the spirits from hearing and presumably preventing your hopes from coming true. Can be used to talk about wood or building materials. In conversation, when we make some remark about something we . On the other hand people still avoid walking under ladders and knock on wood and cross their fingers in order to guard there luck. (made-up scene from GTA San Andreas) (at the beach) Entertainment Add to dashboard. Touching a tree would invoke the protection or blessing of the spirit within. 'I haven't been banned yet, knock on wood'. Said after a confident or positive statement, to express a hope for one's good luck to continue. knock wood Hopefully this will be or continue to be the case; hopefully good luck will prevail. What is the origin of the term knock on wood? knock ( v.) find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws; Don't knock the food--it's free. Check the complaint history, rating and reviews on this company. Somehow, this tradition has survived long after belief in these spirits had faded away. knock on wood definition: 1. said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past. Sentence Examples. Wood and trees have an association with good spirits in mythology. Knocking on tree trunks may have served to rouse the spirits and call on their protection, but it could have also been a way of showing gratitude for a stroke of good luck. The idea that knocking or touching wood would ward off evil or bring you good luck, may have been adapted by Christians, as were many early pagan beliefs. The Amii Stewart "Knock On Wood" is full of weird noises. Over My Dead Body. It is commonly thought that knocking on wood has been a superstitious action to ward off evil throughout history involving Pagan belief systems. Another supposition about the origins of "knock on wood" dates back before Christ, when pagan beliefs were still practiced all throughout Europe. . Synonym: (UK, Australia, South Africa, New . This same token were people who believed by carrying pieces . How to use knock in a sentence. Many believe it originated with pagan groups and cultures. There is, I'm told, an old Irish belief that you should knock on wood to let the little people know that you are thanking them for a bit of good luck. Touching a tree would invoke the protection or blessing of the spirit within. A disco version by Amii Stewart was a #1 hit in 1979. You Are What You Eat. Why do you touch your head when you say touch wood? Across the board, it seems that knocking on wood has always been meant to call . Play online or download to listen offline free - in HD audio, only on JioSaavn. A phrase used to express that something will or will not happen. Sick as a Dog. Knock On Wood is an idiom. phrase. Likewise, what is the origin of the idiom knock on wood? Many believe it originated with pagan groups and cultures. Synonyms: criticize / criticise / pick apart. ERIC is an online library of education research and information, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education. One can also knock on wood three times after talking about something lucky or serendipitous, in order to ward off the evil spirits . Listen to Knock on wood on the English music album The biggest hits of the 70's by Amii Stewart, only on JioSaavn. Synonyms: knocking. Knock On Wood song by Eddie Floyd now on JioSaavn. Download song or listen online free, only on JioSaavn. Across the board, it seems that knocking on wood has always been meant to call . of Word and Phrase Origins, several theories "Knock on wood" comes from at least the 19th century, according to sources, but the true origin remains unknown and heavily discussed. Knock On Wood stands for (idiomatic, US) A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.. This phrase is used by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck. Overview . See more phrases. Knock on Wood Superstition. knock on wood ( third-person singular simple present knocks on wood, present participle knocking on wood, simple past and past participle knocked on wood ) ( idiomatic, US) To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement. It was the only hit for Stewart, who was also a dancer and actress - she starred in the Broadway musical Bubbling Brown Sugar.The innovative arrangement of her version inspired Jay Graydon's production of The Manhattan Transfer's "The Boy From New York City."Says Graydon: "There was a re-release of 'Knock On Wood' that was fantastic. The meaning of "knock on wood". knock on your door; knock one about; knock one against; knock one around; knock one away; knock one back; knock one bandy; knock one cold; knock one dead; knock one down; knock one down a notch; knock one down to size; knock one down with a feather; knock one for a loop; knock one in; knock . And actually, in the UK they say touch wood. The terms Knock on wood and Feel confident have synonymous (similar) meaning. Get widget Add keyword Add new keyword for tracking Close Track keyword What is MetricsCat. According to TED-Ed, the origin of the expression touch wood dates back to pagan tradition in Europe. A To touch wood or knock on wood is a superstitious action to ward off any evil consequences or bad luck, perhaps because of some recent action you've taken or untimely boasting about your good fortune ("I've never been in danger of drowning, touch wood"); it can also be a charm to bring good luck. This one may date back to ancient pagan times, when people believed spirits lived in trees, and touching or knocking on the tree would protect them from bad luck. 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. However, the practice is much older than that, and there are a few conflicting origin stories as to where it came from. No Spring Chicken. Breaking the ice. You might knock on wood and have done so because you saw someone else do it. The meaning of KNOCK is to strike something with a sharp blow. This explanation seems unlikely. : [verb] to knock on wood in order to avoid some bad thing happening that one was just speaking about. There's an oscillating sound that could be synth or guitar; it's hard to tell. 'So far we have only had one trip to York District Hospital (fingers crossed, touch wood and spit for luck) after he ran head first into the fireplace . The Irish and the Scots both have traditions that state three knocks on a door or three taps on a window especially when heard at regular intervals, lasting for two minutes, means death. There are, in fact, a few theories about where the saying "knock on wood" came from. In this theory, the wood in question is the cross that Christ was crucified on. knock on wood meaning: 1. said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past. We don't really know the origins of the term 'touch wood' or 'knock on wood' but most of us use it fairly often. Bettencourt: From Morris Dict. Meaning: Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid bad luck or to continue having good luck. 2. assume. KEVIN MCLEAN: Yeah, yeah. If all goes well, knock wood, I should be out of hospital by early next . The origin is unknown, though some writers have pointed to pre-Christian rituals involving the spirits of sacred trees such as the oak, ash, holly or hawthorn. Knock on wood. Knocking on wood may be a holdover from the pagan days of Europe, when tree spirits were believed to bring luck. He would throw salt over his shoulder and knock on wood just for good luck, I didn't . knock on wood Avoid misfortune and/or hope for good luck. And so hopefully, you know, knock on wood, we'll get to do a second season, and that will be one for next year. knock on wood. Knocking on wood was soon associated with safety and survival, and so the practice lived on after the Inquisition. Well, it is a very common superstition. Example: Knocking on wood is a superstition that started way back in the 19th century. Learn more. Sick as a Dog. {Example omitted.] " Knock on wood ". Many believe it originated with pagan groups and cultures around the world, such as the Celts, who worshipped and mythologized the trees. Ossibus Software. "Knock on wood" comes from at least the 19th century, according to sources, but the true origin remains unknown and heavily discussed. How to use knock in a sentence. This belief is sometimes known as the "three knocks of death.".