crossing fingers

Superstitious luck signal

Crossing fingers is a gesture of hope or good luck, made by placing one finger over another.

You cross your fingers when wishing for a favorable outcome: I'm crossing my fingers that the test results come back negative.

The gesture also secretly negates a promise or oath—children cross fingers behind their backs while lying, as if it cancels the dishonesty.

Fingers crossed expresses the same hopeful sentiment.

Opposites
commitment certainty

crossing fingerssworn oath

Formal binding promise

pinky promise · solemn vow · handshake deal · blood oath · scout's honor

superstitious intent

crossing fingerstempting fate

Risking bad outcomes recklessly

knocking on wood · fatalism · courting disaster · que sera sera · throwing caution to the wind

epistemic stance

crossing fingerssure thing

Guaranteed outcome or agreement

no doubt · fait accompli · foregone conclusion

Family

cross, crossing, crossings, crossed, crosses, crosser, crisscross, crosswise, crossroad

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G