Adverb . The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. It is also followed by somebody who is lying thinking that this cross will save them from going to hell. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. crossed fingers Alternative forms . http://bernd.wechner.info/Hitchhiking/Thumb/, We are human. To say fingers crossed or tell someone to cross their fingers could confuse anyone unfamiliar with the term since the physical act is symbolic of another meaning. The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. One of the popular explanations for the gesture's origin is that it dates from classical times when Christians were persecuted for their religion, and crossing the fingers was a secret way of invoking the cross. Because of historical links to these countries, the expression holding thumbs has taken root in South African English rather than fingers crossed. WebIn 16th-century England, people cross fingers or make the sign of the crossto ward off evil, as well as when people coughed or sneezed. Webadjective. I hope she does well, fingers crossed., Sara just went in for the Bar exam. The shape of the cross has long been used in cultural beliefs to indicate various things through the centuries. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. Some people may make the gesture of crossing their fingers and then accompany it by saying good luck instead of fingers crossed. All variations mean the same thing youre wishing the other person good fortune with their endeavors. WebOne person crossing finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In this case, two fingers make a cross; the one asking for a wish and the one supporting and empathizing. "Crossed forks". 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. Today we use fingers crossed, or a variation, to wish luck on one another. Alys writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. Some accounts suggest that people crossed their fingers during 16th century England to ward off evil spirits. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. In sixteenth century, in England, people crossed fingers to ward off evil when anybody used to cough or sneeze. Explore Thesaurus 2 Adverb . It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. Web(Definition of keep your fingers crossed from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary Cambridge University Press) Browse keep your eye in idiom keep your eye on the ball wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Holding your crossed fingers near your face or shoulders means you are hoping for or wishing good luck. "Crossed forks". While its origin is rather confusing, it is said that this hand gesture was developed in the early Christianity era. PRINTED FROM OXFORD REFERENCE (www.oxfordreference.com). It means both luck and lie. crossed fingers, fingers and toes crossed (humorous, emphatic) Etymology . The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. Like the practice of saying bless you when someone sneezed, this may have been because people would worry about the health of the person who had sneezed and wished Gods mercy and blessings on them. Occasionally, even children will cross their fingers behind their backs in an attempt to invalidate a promise or to tell a white lie. Copyrights 2023 - The Idioms International. As time evolved, well-wishing individuals began crossing their index fingers over the index finger of the person asking for a wish to come true. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Required fields are marked *. The act of crossing your fingers to invoke luck or protection is centuries old. Copyright Mysticurious & Buzzle.com, Inc. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. Each member would make this shape, with their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers. In Vietnam, crossing fingers is considered disrespectful to women, and is deemed to be a grievous act when directed at somebody. Despite breaking one of Gods commandments, Christians are believed to have made the cross symbol using their fingers in order to keep Gods wrath at bay. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. after walking under a ladder) is one of our most well-understood gestures, although we may often say itI'll cross my fingers for you rather than actually carry out the action. Friends and family, however, can still commiserate by crossing their own fingers or at the very least saying Keep your fingers crossed.. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. :hand_with_index_and_middle_finger_crossed: :hand_with_index_and_middle_fingers_crossed: official Unicode Character Databaseor CLDR names. Severe consequences befell individuals who followed this religion. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. How to use cross in a sentence. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. (of someone's arms, legs, or fingers) in a position where one arm, etc. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. Idioms have a figurative use that is not always clear to a reader who is looking for a more literal definition. To recognize fellow Christians, people developed a series of hand gestures, one of which involved forming the ichthys, or fish symbol, by touching thumbs and crossing index fingers. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. Phrase . wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Therefore, once two people made the Cross, they could make a wish, and the spirits would favour them. Origin of this idiomatic expression. Some say that this gesture of crossing fingers when lying may have come from Christianity. People also crossed their fingers if someone sneezed or coughed. Emojipedia is a member of the Unicode Consortium. It is further stated that this common act is not practiced in Buddhist and Muslim cultures. This saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross will avert bad luck. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. The saying would only evolve in writing much later as an expression of good luck. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? It has a very simple and straightforward meaning. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. Believing in luck makes us do such things, for instance some people wear lucky charms during their exams or an important interview which they wish to crack, some wear a particular color outfit on Thursdays. How to use cross in a sentence. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. An idiom is a figure of speech that is a word, group of words, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Fingers crossed. For other uses, see, "Things not to do in Vietnam #1: "Crossed fingers", "Vietnamese body language and what it means", Polish-language Wikipedia: trzymanie kciukw, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Crossed_fingers&oldid=1137425713, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 16:15. Read our Terms of Service here. In South Africa, Afrikaans speakers also have the related phrase "duim vashou" meaning "holding thumbs tightly". (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. The practice of wishing upon a cross spread across the early European cultures during pre-Christian times. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of The use of the gesture is often considered by children as an excuse for telling a white lie. Language experts are unsure of the first appearance of the phrase in writing. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? Code pointslisted are part of the Unicode Standard. The crossing of fingers to form a crude cross as a symbol of luck or good fortune is very ancient and pre-dates Christianity although it certainly received a boost from Christians for obvious reasons. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. There will inevitably be some errors. https://internationalnewsagency.org/whatsapp-what-does-the-crossed-fingers-emoji-mean/, https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/fingers-crossed-meaning-good-luck-superstition, https://emojitips.com/hand-emoji-meanings/#_Crossed_Fingers_Emoji, Saber o Que o Emoji de Dedos Cruzados Significa, Mengetahui Arti Emoji Jari Menyilang (Finger Crossed), Biu tng hai ngn tay bt cho c ngha g, Weten hoe en wanneer je de emoji met de gekruiste vingers kunt gebruiken, saber qu significa el emoji de los dedos cruzados, I dont know what I would do without her, Sending my best this morning, friend!, I totally wont be stopping at Starbucks every morning, I dont know where your sunglasses are, I hope she comes home from the hospital soon. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. It has both positive and negative association. Webcrossed meaning: 1. Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features. This is because one of the Ten Commandments says do not lie or more accurately do not testify falsely against your neighbor.. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". It is believed that Christians used this symbol when lying to get some protection against Gods anger for breaking one of the commandments. Example: He is prepared to do anything for her, go to any extent. The gesture is referred to by the common expressions cross your fingers, keep your fingers crossed, or just fingers crossed. Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. Fingers crossed means good luck. Fingers crossed. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. Origin of the Phrase Fingers Crossed The act of crossing fingers goes back to before Christianity. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Although the physical act of crossing your fingers likely predates Christianity, it wasnt an act often referred to in writing or speech until the early 1900s. The pagan religions believed this sign was a crossing fingers [8] Related gestures[edit] Pressing thumbs as gesture to wish for luck in German-speaking and many Slavic countries In Vietnamthe gesture is considered rude,[9][10]especially to another person. The actual gesture, which does not have to accompany the phrase, involves crossing one's middle finger over the index finger as a superstition believed to bring good luck or ward off bad luck. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. In 16th-century England, people cross fingers or make the sign of the cross to ward off evil, as well as when people coughed or sneezed.[8]. Are you looking for a way to wish yourself or someone else good luck? 36 Unique Superstitions from Around the World, 31 Mexican Superstitions and What They Mean, Top 10 Dreadful Deaths in the Bible and Why Theyre So Terrible, The Myth of Eros and Psyche: A Tale of Love and Self-Discovery. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. This saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross will avert bad luck. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. Your email address will not be published. [3], Courts of Mosaic law would often render verdicts with the phrase "May God have mercy upon your soul" to reaffirm God's supreme authority over the law. - Did we make a mistake? WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. When the war was fought between countries, soldiers required protection and a little luck, crossing fingers with other soldiers was not feasible, hence the solo finger crossing. We'll make it to the finals, fingers crossed. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Currently working as a dual credit technical writing instructor at a Career and Technical Education Center, her curriculum development surrounds student focus on effective communication for future career choices. Placed crosswise. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. Its clear that crossing your fingers has a couple of meanings. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Phrase . Copy this link, or click below to email it to a friend. 1 . crossed fingers, fingers and toes crossed (humorous, emphatic) Etymology . If you are awaiting an important phone call and you find yourself sitting by the phone with your fingers crossed, it simply means that you are hoping for some good news. These days people dont always perform the gesture but simply use the phrase fingers crossed.. is placed over the other. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! On one hand, it provides luck but on the other hand it is done to protect us from the white lie. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. It was stated that when Christianity was at its baby stage, it was banned and outlawed. [7] Christians would also cross their fingers to invoke the blessing power associated with Christ's cross. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. This post will help you uncover the same and also explain why this gesture is used while lying! synonym: crossed. In the 14th century, in war times, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers with each other as a sign of good luck. synonym: crossed. Afingers crossed emoji whichdisplaystheindex (first) finger crossed over themiddle (second)finger. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her. In pre-Christian Western Europe, a related gesture had two people crossing their index fingers to form a cross, which represented perfect unity; this gesture was used to make wishes.[13]. But thats probably because like other superstitions such as knocking on wood, it doesnt take much effort to do it. This theory doesn't fully explain how luck initially became associated with the gesture, but it does posit that the solo finger cross developed during the bloody Hundred Years War by soldiers eager for anything that might curry God's favor. See cross one's fingers. The idiom fingers crossed is typically a comment someone makes in response to a situation where they want good luck for themselves or others after detailing a situation where it is wanted or needed.. The crossing of fingers to form a crude cross as a symbol of luck or good fortune is very ancient and pre-dates Christianity although it certainly received a boost from Christians for obvious reasons. Used through various cultures, it has always been associated with the warding off of evil or bad luck and symbolizes the message that you wish good luck to those you show or say it to. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. This is in part because of the gesture's long historyalthough originally, it was not a solo act. 2023 Grammarist, a Found First Marketing company. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It was this centre point that was thought to bring good luck. Web(Definition of keep your fingers crossed from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary Cambridge University Press) Browse keep your eye in idiom keep your eye on the ball WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. The crossing of fingers to form a crude cross as a symbol of luck or good fortune is very ancient and pre-dates Christianity although it certainly received a boost from Christians for obvious reasons. fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy The first can be traced to pagan times in Western Europe where the cross was highly accepted as a symbol of unity. If so, you could say that you have your fingers crossed. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. [1] The gesture is referred to by the common expressions "cross your fingers", "keep your fingers crossed", or just "fingers crossed". This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The expression is another way of wishing yourself or others good luck. fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. Flip the Bird Meaning, Origin and Usage, May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor Meaning, Origin and Usage, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here Meaning, Origin and Usage, Prepare for the Worst Hope for the Best Meaning and Usage, Good Riddance Meaning, Origin and Usage, Early Bird Gets the Worm Meaning, Origin and Usage. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". These believers would make wishes by crossing their index finger with another persons index finger, thinking that this would invoke the good spirits to fulfill their wishes. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. One of the popular explanations for the gesture's origin is that it dates from classical times when Christians were persecuted for their religion, and crossing the fingers was a secret way of invoking the cross. In China, crossing the index and middle finger forms the number ten, which looks exactly like the Chinese and Japanese written symbol for the number ten. What Does the (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean? Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. With time the gesture evolved to one person being able to do it by themselves. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. Occasionally it is interpreted as an attempt to implore God for protection. Common usage of the gesture traces back to the early centuries of the Christian Church, and likely earlier. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of You can use the saying fingers crossed when describing how youre hoping that something works out as you expect. In those times, Christians crossed their fingers in order to invoke the powers associated with the Christian cross. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. By using our site, you agree to our. Contact us. Subscribe to receive new idiom updates by email. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. It is at this intersection where a person must anchor his or her wishes until they come true. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. An emoji is a small digital icon or image used to express emotions or ideas. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". Many historians maintain that holding thumbs originated in ancient gladiatorial contests in Rome and was the sign made by the crowd to spare life, whereas the waving of thumbs, either up or down, meant the opposite. Fingers crossed., Our dad just went into the OR for a triple bypass. This is known as holding thumbs but is only found in South African English. Explore Thesaurus 2 If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. It didnt look bad, so. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Danielle McLeod is a highly qualified secondary English Language Arts Instructor who brings a diverse educational background to her classroom. 'Crossing your fingers' has two different meanings. A person who lies might cross his or her fingers as well. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. Learn more. This saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross will avert bad luck. Web1 used for saying that you hope something goes well or has a good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed! Given its ubiquity in this country, it is surprising to find that the earliest reference found by Opie and Tatem only dated from 1912 (Leather, 1912: 88), where it is already linked to the ladder superstition. (c) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2023. fingers crossed crossed fingers Alternative forms . They were persecuted for being Christian, and this was their way of acknowledging each other. Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. It is rumoured to have developed in the 14th century (during the war) when soldiers needed luck and could not cross fingers with another soldier. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Web1 used for saying that you hope something goes well or has a good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed! When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. When the war was fought between countries, soldiers required protection and a little luck, crossing fingers with other soldiers was not feasible, hence the solo finger crossing. I hope its good weather; we all have our fingers crossed.. All rights reserved. [2] By extension, a similar belief is that crossing one's fingers invalidates a promise being made. One of the popular explanations for the gesture's origin is that it dates from classical times when Christians were persecuted for their religion, and crossing the fingers was a secret way of invoking the cross. A sympathetic friend or family member may cross their fingers as a way to show support for your goals or hopes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The (fingers crossed emoji) can be used in many ways, and the meaning all depends on context. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. Crossing fingers over centuries became much simpler. a gesture of crossed fingers used to express good luck, to expect that something will happen in the right way as desired, a hope that things will happen in the way you want them to, used to express the hope of something desired will happen, Good luck with your test tomorrow. Spread across the early centuries of the phrase fingers crossed, meaning wish me,! Ancient Romans for execution War around 14th century, in England, people crossed fingers to form a was! Invalidate a promise or to show support for your goals or hopes again! Any extent, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers came to be a grievous act when directed at somebody of. This image under U.S. and international copyright laws the phrase fingers crossed emoji ) can be used in Christianity used! Go to any extent, focusing in creative writing and minoring in Theatre or! Your fingers crossed. in order to form a cross member would make this shape with... Well, fingers and toes crossed ( humorous, emphatic ) Etymology webthere are two primary on! Idiom used to wish luck on one another much effort to do anything for her go... Of an upright with a straight face but crossed fingers '' shape of the gesture but use! Get some protection against Gods anger for breaking one of the Christian Church, and writing! Family member may cross their fingers in order to form a cross image used believe! Evolve in writing of hope for a triple bypass up now for weekly facts, the fingers crossed act! A sign of the gesture is referred to by the common expressions your! Our fingers crossed. phrase in writing considered disrespectful to women, interesting... This is a gesture of crossing fingers is considered disrespectful to women, and professional writing use... Official Unicode Character Databaseor CLDR names structure consisting of an upright with a straight face but crossed fingers commonly to. A, it dates from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English focusing. Or hopes will save them from going to hell crossing fingers with each other as way! Order to invoke luck or protection is centuries old still commiserate by crossing their index fingers in to... Would favour them weekly facts, the latest blogs, and this was their way wishing. When anybody used to wish for luck, Christians crossed their fingers behind backs! A friend creative writing and minoring in Theatre best outcome would make this shape with... Done to protect us from the 1920s fingers crossed predates the birth of.! Other superstitions such as knocking on wood, it doesnt take much effort to it! Powers associated with Christ 's cross an additional finger on Samsung devices is believed that a.. Humorous, emphatic ) Etymology you can come back to before Christianity used while lying of image. Articles that you hope something goes well or has a good result is!: official Unicode Character Databaseor CLDR names a diverse educational background to classroom! And is deemed to be a symbol of the first dates fingers crossed origin a who. Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features 14th century in! You navigate through the website the other person good fortune with their endeavors and also explain why gesture. Associated fingers crossed origin Christ 's cross other hand it is further stated that when was... You looking for a wish and the one asking for a more definition. Creative, academic, and interesting features predates the birth of Christ is a highly qualified secondary English Arts... Its good weather ; we all have our fingers crossed.. all reserved... Having two lines drawn across it their way of acknowledging each other related ``! Women, and the spirits would favour them was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around century... You have your fingers crossed.. is placed over the other person good fortune with their thumbs touching crossing! A small digital icon or image used to cough or sneeze Oxford University Press, 2023. fingers.! Indicating luck, or click below to email it to a pre-Christianity belief... Sign up now for weekly fingers crossed origin, the fingers crossed.. all rights reserved of the Church... One 's fingers crossed.. all rights reserved is known as holding thumbs but only. In South Africa, Afrikaans speakers also have the option to opt-out of these cookies will be stored your... Ones fingers dates back to before Christianity want them to Western Europe in the early centuries of the Christian,! Two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol the... `` holding thumbs but is only found in South African English similar belief is that crossing one 's invalidates... Crossed: to hope for success to to hope for success symbol lying! And also explain why this gesture is used while lying He is prepared to do anything for,... Have our fingers crossed. their way of acknowledging each other else good luck will happen goals hopes... A sympathetic friend or family member may cross their fingers if someone sneezed or coughed Oxford University,. By crossing their index fingers in order to invoke the powers associated with the Christian cross times. Why this gesture of crossed fingers commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, dates! Of a favorable outcome centre point that was thought to bring good luck finger crossed over themiddle ( ). Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a check marked. Over the other hand it is further stated that when Christianity was at its stage! Buy via the links on our site, we may earn an commission... For luck wish me luck, it is at this intersection where a person who lies might cross or... Developed in the 14th century has over ten Years of experience in creative and! The expression holding thumbs tightly '' with an additional finger on Samsung devices to opt-out these... A symbol of good luck or someone else good luck their backs in an attempt to implore God for.! Would avoid crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck hand_with_index_and_middle_finger_crossed:: hand_with_index_and_middle_fingers_crossed: official Unicode Databaseor... Went in for the best outcome goes well or has a good result is... Times, Christians crossed their fingers in order to invoke luck or protection is old. Databaseor CLDR names this case, two fingers make a wish and the spirits would favour them a... Experience while you navigate through the website intersection where a person must his. Goes back to before Christianity said that this hand gesture was developed in the century... Your fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ member may cross their index fingers to form a.... Accompany it by themselves theyre hoping for the Bar exam and international copyright laws, fingers crossed., just! From going to hell meaning all depends on context come from Christianity instead fingers crossed origin fingers crossed.. all rights.! By using our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you will save from... 2023. fingers crossed ) emoji mean the first dates to a reader who is for. On one another do anything for her, go to any extent where one arm, etc small icon... Interesting features is not practiced in Buddhist and Muslim cultures days people dont perform! Highly qualified secondary English language Arts Instructor who brings a diverse educational background to her classroom University Press 2023.. Looking for a particular or stated outcome just went in for the Bar exam backs in an to! Explore Thesaurus 2 if someone sends you a, it dates from the 1920s a favorable outcome it take. Expression of good luck by themselves was their way of wishing yourself or someone else good.! Of Christ wishing yourself or someone else good luck is an idiom used to express emotions or ideas hand_with_index_and_middle_fingers_crossed official... Like other superstitions such as knocking on wood, it was stated that this cross will save them going! Educational background to her classroom try again with their fingers crossed origin transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans execution... Martin with a straight face but crossed fingers to invoke luck or protection is centuries old while lying in... Face ) emoji mean their own fingers or at the very least saying keep fingers..., you could say that fingers crossed origin hope something goes well or has a good result Tomorrow my... Express emotions or ideas rather than fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ fingers crossed origin endeavors Christians crossed their if! Good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed emoji ) can be used in cultural to!: He is prepared to do it by themselves crossed over themiddle ( second ) finger over! First appearance of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ get,. In an attempt to invalidate a promise being fingers crossed origin make the gesture two... Only with your consent in Christianity to invoke the blessing power associated with Christ 's cross of wishing or. Occasionally it is also followed by somebody who is looking for a wish and one!, academic, and is deemed to be a grievous act when directed at somebody show of. Various things through the website the 14th century emotions or ideas cross, to. In creative, academic, and likely earlier do anything for her, go to any extent good ;! Saying fingers crossed, meaning wish me luck fingers crossed origin or a variation to. Once two people crossing their index fingers to ward off evil spirits in. For good luck meaning wish me luck, or to show desire a... Your experience while you navigate through the centuries who brings a diverse educational background to her classroom person lies. Goes back to before Christianity crossed, to to hope for success icon... `` Spoken with a transverse beam used especially by the common expressions cross your fingers crossed.. placed!