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The derivation may be the association that wood and trees have with good spirits in mythology, or with the Christian cross. It used to be considered good luck to tap trees to let the wood spirits within know you were there. Traditions of this sort still persist in Ireland. The British version - touch wood, had an earlier Latin version used when touching wood - absit omen!, meaning 'far be that omen from us'. This dates from at least the early 17th century, when it is quoted by Heywood. It isn't clear when touch wood began to be used. It must have been well-known by 1849, when The Boy's Own Book published the rules of a children's game that derived from the phrase: "This game is sometimes called 'Touch-iron' or 'Touch-wood'; in these cases the players are safe only while they touch iron or wood, as may be previously agreed. They are liable to be touched only when running from one piece of wood or iron to another." Knock on wood - the American version, is known from the early 20th century. For example, The Indianapolis Star, September 1908: "He is a promising looking youngster, and once we get on velvet (knock on wood!) the New York fans will get a chance to see him in action. When that time comes (knock on wood again!) it is more than likely that he will not disappoint."

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Q: How did the phrase slash action knock on wood come to be?
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Where did the phrase I'll knock you into kingdom come?

"Kingdom Come" is a phrase from the bible, specifically: "...Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, On Earth as it is in Heaven...." The literal meaning being "I will knock you to heaven" but the social meaning of "I will hurt you greatly"


Where did the phrase don't knock it till you try it come from?

The door (don't knock it until you have tried (opening) it !


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.


Where did the phrase 'Play it by ear' come from?

This phrase is literal, no symbology. In opposition to action by plan, script, text or even agreement, image is musical activity without adherance to composition, intuitive.It deals with playing the piano.


Where did the phrase your one in a million come from?

The Winchester Fire Arms Company coined the phrase that one in every million of their lever action rifles were perfect and were often given to great shots during shooting competitions in the 1800's

Related questions

Where did the phrase I'll knock you into kingdom come?

"Kingdom Come" is a phrase from the bible, specifically: "...Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, On Earth as it is in Heaven...." The literal meaning being "I will knock you to heaven" but the social meaning of "I will hurt you greatly"


Where did the phrase don't knock it till you try it come from?

The door (don't knock it until you have tried (opening) it !


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.


How did phrase knock it off come to mean to stop something?

The phrase "knock it off" meaning to tell someone to stop doing something originated from an auction setting. Traditionally, "knock it off" is a request that is given to an auctioneer to end the bidding. This refers to the auctioneer "knocking his gavel," a sign to close bidding.


Is the phrase come in action correct English when used in the same manner as get into action Example The police were called to come in action?

It is correct grammatically, but not idiomatic. We say the police were called to TAKE action, to GET INTO action, or to BECOME ACTIVE.


Is the phrase come in action correct English when used in the same manner as get into action. Example The police were called to come in action.?

It is correct grammatically, but not idiomatic. We say the police were called to TAKE action, to GET INTO action, or to BECOME ACTIVE.


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.


Where did the phrase knock your socks off first come from?

In the old 8mm stag movies the moment of male organism was represented by the man's socks flying off.


What is the funniest anti joke?

Knock Knock Who's there James Come in!


If you ' can't knock success ' how come successful people get slagged of daily in the tabloids?

That depends on what you mean by 'knock'. knock as in ' faulter ' or ' critisize '


Where did the phrase come from There's a new sheriff in town?

Movie 48 Hours Movie 48 Hours Action Flick with Eddie Murphy


Which phrase does not come from the Preamble to the Constitution?

Which phrase does not come from the Preamble to the Constitution?