finger crossing

Hope-for-luck sign

Finger crossing is a gesture of hope or supplication, made by placing one finger over another to form an X.

People cross their fingers when wishing for luck or a favorable outcome: I'm crossing my fingers for good news.

The gesture can also secretly nullify a promise—children cross fingers behind their backs while lying to "cancel" the dishonesty.

Fingers crossed expresses hope that something will happen.

Related

wishful thinking · promise · gesture · nervous habit · good fortune · talisman · lucky charm · white lie · little white lie · behind back · childhood · oath · jinx · blessing · wishing well · rabbit foot · four leaf clover · charm

Categories
Opposites
certainty and assurance

finger crossingguarantee

Formal promise of fulfillment

certainty · sure thing · assurance · lock · done deal

superstitious vs. rational behavior

finger crossingrisk assessment

Evaluating likelihood of harm

due diligence · contingency planning · preparation · scientific method · pragmatism

commitment and sincerity

finger crossingbinding promise

Enforceable pledge or commitment

pinky promise · blood oath · handshake deal · word of honor · pledge

Family

finger, fingers, fingered, fingering, cross, crossed, crossing, crosses, crosser

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G