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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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Knock on Wood (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Knock on Wood"?
The term "knock on wood" means to tap on wood to avoid bad luck. In the UK, "touch wood" is a common alternative.Table of Contents
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Examples of Use:
- Whenever I mention something positive happening, I always say "knock on wood" to avoid jinxing it.
- Superstitious individuals often knock on wood as a way to ward off bad luck.
- After making a statement about avoiding accidents, she quickly knocked on wood as a superstitious gesture.
- People often knock on wood as a reflexive action to counteract a potentially negative outcome.
- The phrase "knock on wood" is used to express a desire for good fortune and to acknowledge the unpredictability of life.
- "Knock on wood" is common in both the US and the UK.
- "Touch wood" is common in the UK. It is more common than "knock on wood."

The term "knock on wood" is usually accompanied by the gesture of tapping on a wooden table or door with the knuckles. The alternative "touch wood" is usually accompanied by a gesture of touching a piece of wooden furniture or your own head (a witty, self-effacing suggestion that your head is made of wood).
Competing Theory
"Touch wood" originates from the practice of touching a wooden crucifix for luck or as a reminder of God's presence.Competing Theory
"Touch wood" originates from a school-yard game called "Tiggy Touchwood," in which those being pursued were safe from being tagged while touching wood.Of interest, "knock on wood" is used globally:
- "Tocar madera" (Spanish for "touch wood")
- "Toi-toi-toi! Dreimal auf Holz! (German for "Knock-knock-knock! Three times on wood.")
- Постучи по дереву. (Russian for "knock on wood")
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