keep fingers crossed

/kiːp ˈfɪŋɡɚz ˈkrɒst/
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To express hope or optimism about an uncertain outcome, often with a sense of superstition or good luck.
Literal Meaning
To physically cross one's fingers together.
Literal Breakdown
keepto maintain or continue+fingersthe digits on the hand+crossedintersected or placed over each other
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of someone crossing their fingers, often with a hopeful or anxious expression, as if trying to influence the outcome of an uncertain situation.
◈ When to Use
A friend is about to take an important exam. You say, 'Keep your fingers crossed for me!' to express your hope that they do well.
◉ Cultural Note
The practice of crossing fingers for luck is a common superstition in many cultures. It is believed to bring good fortune or ward off bad luck. The idiom 'keep fingers crossed' has been used in English since at least the early 20th century.
informal

To hope or wish for a positive outcome while acknowledging uncertainty; to express optimism about something that is not yet certain.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get the job.

I'm hoping I get the job, but I'm not sure yet.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow.

We hope the weather will be nice tomorrow, but we're not certain.

💡

This idiom is commonly used in casual conversation to express hope or optimism about an uncertain situation.

Collocations

keep fingers crossed forto hope for a specific positive outcomekeep fingers crossed thatto express hope that something will happen

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

touch woodidiom
to avoid jinxing something by touching wood for luck
hope for the bestphrase
to maintain optimism despite uncertainty

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

This idiom is often used in casual conversation and can be used alone or as part of a sentence. For example, 'Fingers crossed!' or 'I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.'

⚡Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

While 'keep fingers crossed' is informal, it is widely accepted in both spoken and written English. For more formal contexts, you might say 'I hope for the best' instead.

📖Word Origin

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea that crossing one's fingers is a form of superstition or good luck charm. The practice of crossing fingers for luck dates back to at least the 19th century.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is very common in informal English and is often used in both spoken and written contexts. It can be used alone ('Fingers crossed!') or as part of a larger sentence.

Word Breakdown

keep
to maintain or continue
root
+
fingers
the digits on the hand
root
+
crossed
intersected or placed over each other
root
English Dictionary