touch wood

touch wood

A superstitious expression said, typically in combination with actually touching or knocking on a wooden object or surface, when one desires something positive to continue, lest the mention of it "jinx" or somehow reverse one's good fortune. More commonly expressed as "knock on wood." I've been driving for 36 years and have never been in an accident. Touch wood! Hopefully, touch wood, we'll continue to avoid sickness this winter.
See also: touch, wood
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

touch wood

mainly BRITISH or

knock on wood

mainly AMERICAN
COMMON When you are talking about a good situation, you say touch wood to mean that you hope this continues and that you will not have bad luck. She's such a healthy, happy child, touch wood. She's never even been to the doctor's. `And knock on wood, I have been at the company for 13 years, and I have not missed one day's work through illness.' Note: In American English, you can also simply say knock wood. So far, knock wood, everything seems good. Note: This expression may come from the ancient belief that good spirits lived in trees and people used to tap on them to ask the spirits for help or protection. Alternatively, it may be related to the Christian practice of touching a rosary or crucifix. People sometimes actually touch or knock on a wooden surface as they say this.
See also: touch, wood
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

touch wood

said in order to prevent a confident statement from bringing bad luck.
A North American variant is knock on wood . The phrase refers to the traditional custom of touching something wooden to avert possible bad luck.
1991 Rohinton Mistry Such a Long Journey Sohrab and Gustad did not shout or argue like they used to, touch wood.
See also: touch, wood
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

touch ˈwood

(British English) (American English knock on ˈwood) (saying) used for expressing the hope that your good luck will continue: We haven’t had a serious accident yet, touch wood.
This refers to the custom of touching something made of wood to prevent bad luck. People still often try to touch something made of wood when they say this.
See also: touch, wood
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • knock on wood
  • watch the clock
  • Morning dreams come true
  • (early) morning dreams come true
  • worldly
  • worldly desires
  • earthly
  • earthly desires
  • (one's) jam
  • run (one's) own show
References in periodicals archive
A mockup of the TOUCH WOOD handset will be exhibited at ITU Telecom World 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland from October 5 to 9 and CEATEC JAPAN 2009 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture, Japan from October 6 to 10.
DOCOMO Develops Mobile Phone Prototype Using Surplus Wood
Diane Blake, 40 student, Beechwood: "I touch wood and like black cats.
Your views
"Touch wood, she's a definite runner in the David Nicholson," said Lavelle.
Lady is handed Nicholson target; RACING
"He could come in, touch wood, and play every single game, train every day and have a great season.
Delph ready for action
A leg injury ruled him out of this year's Champion Hurdle, but trainer Robbie Hennessy said: "We have to keep Sublimity sound for another three weeks, but touch wood the leg is absolutely perfect right now.
Solwhit and Fly rematch
"Last season was a nightmare, so, touch wood, I'm hoping for the best this year.
Ole: I'm ready to answer the call
"If we get a good result, touch wood, it's going to be wide open in the group and we would have a fantastic chance.
NOT RUSSIAN TO CONCLUSIONS
I am used to hitting big heavyweights and hurting them so now, when I hit a guy flush on the chin, touch wood, they won't get back up."
Staff leaner; Boxer Shorts
"He's back working away now though and, touch wood, everything is going according to plan.
Cheltenham Festival is still on agenda as O'Neill ace ready for return to action
"Touch wood, it's very much his target and we'll see if he can retain his crown.
Distinction eyes double
"It was the cartilage that was the problem, but I've had a bit of a tidy-up, a bit of a trim, and touch wood it seems to have done the trick."
Cricket: sport ROUND-UP - Knee-ly there
Convey, 22, a pounds 600,000 buy from DC United in 2004, said: "I just want to keep going, and touch wood have no injuries.
Football: Convey bid for break
"Touch wood, we've been very happy with him," said the Newmarket trainer.
The Duke can ride in says Toller
So, touch wood, hopefully I'll be ready for the pre-season games.'
Delaney sets a Villa target