knock on wood

Meaning

This expression is spoken to ward off bad luck, especially after making a hopeful statement or boasting about good fortune. People often physically tap on a wooden surface while saying it. The tone is casual and slightly superstitious, but widely used in everyday speech.

Examples

• I haven't been sick all winter, knock on wood.

  I haven't been sick all winter, knock on wood.

• Our flight should arrive on time, knock on wood.

  Our flight should arrive on time, knock on wood.

• Knock on wood, but I think we've finally solved the plumbing issue.

  Knock on wood, but I think we've finally solved the plumbing issue.

• I've never had a car accident, knock on wood.

  I've never had a car accident, knock on wood.

• We haven't had any complaints from customers this month, knock on wood.

  We haven't had any complaints from customers this month, knock on wood.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I knock the wood that we will win.

  ✓ Knock on wood, but I think we will win.

  Use the preposition 'on'. Also, the phrase is usually used as a standalone parenthetical or exclamation, not as a transitive verb clause.

• ✗ Hit on wood, I haven't lost my keys yet.

  ✓ Knock on wood, I haven't lost my keys yet.

  The standard verb is 'knock' (or 'touch' in British English), not 'hit' or 'tap'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I haven't had any computer issues with this new laptop, ___.

  💡 Said to prevent bad luck after stating something good.

  Show answer

  knock on wood

• ___, the weather will stay clear for our outdoor wedding tomorrow.

  💡 Hoping that good luck continues.

  Show answer

  knock on wood