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Probably from sailors who would "touch the (wooden) ship" for good luck. Without a ship to touch, landlocked sailors may have used a piece of wood as a symbolic one.
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∙ 14y ago
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Where did the phrase knock on wood come from?
The phrase 'knock on wood' is believed to be Germanic in origin. In history it was believed that tiny but lucky creatures lived in the wood. Knocking on the wood would bring them out to gran you good luck.
Origin of expression Knock on wood?
to try to get a blessing from the nyad/dryad believed to live in the tree the wood came from.
What does knock knock on wood mean?
Knock on wood means you are hoping that it happens.
What does knock on the wood mean?
Knock on wood means you are hoping that it happens.
What is a sentence with knock on wood?
All my children are healthy, knock on wood.
What is the origin of the idiom out on a limb?
To be exposed
What is the origin of the idiom 'eat at'?
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What is the origin of the phrase 'Knock on wood' or 'Touch wood'?
The exact origin of the phrase "knock on wood" is unknown, however many speculate that is could have come from rituals in early times where trees were considered sacred spirits. Others believe the phrase originated in Ireland. To knock on wood was to alert leprechauns that you were thanking them for giving you good luck. Another popular belief is that by knocking on wood you prevent the devil from hearing what you have just said, which in turn prevents the action from occurring. It is also possible that the origination of the phrase "knock on wood" is derived from Christianity and the wood is a reference to the cross on which Jesus was crucified.The British version of this expression, 'touch wood,' is supposed to have derived from a 17th century practice of warding off bad luck by touching something made of wood while saying 'absit, omen!'Phrase maven Gary Martin (please see link) says it became 'knock on wood' in the United States by the early 20th century.
What is the origin for the idiom dancing up a storm?
Origin "up a storm"
Why do you knock on wood?
you knock on wood because say you say something like iv never broken a bone in my life you would say knock on wood and knock on wood 3 times so you dont jinx your self and break a bone tomarow. The origin of "knock on wood" is a bit cloudy. It seems to trace back to the European idea of touching wood to ward off bad luck, or acknowledge good luck. The knocking probably stems from the idea of a knocking sound preventing the Devil from hearing unwise statements. The modern American usage began early in the 20th century. There isn't any specific thing to do (you don't have to knock specifically three times as cited above), but the act is common.
What is the origin of make a big splash idiom?
No
What is the origin of the idiom twelvemonth?
That's not an idiom - it means exactly what it says - there are twelve months in a year.
