hold your 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 your thumbs

fold your fingers over your thumbs to bring good luck; hope for luck or success. South African
1987 Sunday Times (South Africa) They say they are holding thumbs for her and praying that the pregnancy will be trouble-free.
See also: hold, thumb
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hold (one's) thumbs
  • hold 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
I learnt to anticipate birthdays and name days (so much easier these days with Facebook), to always give flowers in odd numbers, to hold your thumbs and not cross your fingers, and not to even bother asking for a non-smoking table.
People-centred traditions
When moving around, hold your thumbs over the tubing, or insert corks.
For the deck or fence builder: a sure way to get all the post tops even