hold thumbs

hold (one's) thumbs

To maintain hope that something will happen or be the case. Primarily heard in South Africa. The team's manager will be holding thumbs that his star player will be healthy enough to play on Saturday. I hope we get the account, but don't hold your thumbs.
See also: hold, thumb
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold ˈthumbs

(South African) hope that your plans will be successful or that something will take place in the way that you want it to: Let’s hold thumbs that you get the job.
See also: hold, thumb
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hold (one's) thumbs
  • hold your thumbs
  • chip
  • chips
  • up on (one's) ear
  • cat's pajamas
  • turn thumbs down
  • turn thumbs down (on something)
  • turn thumbs down on someone/something
  • Two Bob
References in periodicals archive
President Punjab Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry alleged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for being part of rigging plan and demanded the commission to hold thumbs verification in all 70 consistencies against requests filed by PTI in the previous year.
PTI alleges govt for hindering May 11 protest