Learn more. In the UK, the phrase 'touch wood' is used - often jokingly by tapping one's head. What does knock wood expression mean? After Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper wrote this song at the Lorraine Motel, they called trumpet player Wayne Jackson, who was doing a gig 10 minutes away in West Memphis, and asked him to come by to work on the horn lines before their session the … in LEOs Englisch ⇔ Deutsch Wörterbuch. By the 1900s, British and American people were both knocking on wood for good fortune. Es kann mehr als eine Definition von KOW geben, also schauen Sie es sich in unserem Wörterbuch für alle … 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. Wood and trees have an association with good spirits in mythology. @widget2010, right, along with Christmas trees, gargoyles, the time of the year of Christmas, and lots of other traditions that mark many of the major Christmas holidays. The Knock On Wood acronym/abbreviation definition. 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. Knock On Wood is an idiom. By the 1800s, many children's games included an exhortation to knock on wood, although the idea was probably widespread long before these games were popular. A phrase used to express that something will or will not happen. Knock on Wood is a studio album by Amii Stewart released in February 1979. At the end of the day, if you truly believe in luck, which you should, be sure to knock on wood. However, it does seem likely that if the Pagan part of the story is true, the early church may have adopted it like so many other Pagan traditions that we now believe to be Christian. The phrase originated based on a superstition that knocking or touching wood will ward off evil spirits. Explore more Idiom Meanings. Knocking on wood used to be a way of warding off suspected impending bad luck, and now it's used as a tongue-in-cheek sort of phrase for when someone has had a lot of good luck, meaning that the person should be careful to avoid the bad luck which may follow. 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. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. exciting challenge of being a wiseGEEK researcher and writer. People usually knock with a closed fist, creating a rapping noise like knocking on a door. What is the definition of knock on wood? What is the meaning of knock on wood? Jews were running for their lives at the time, and as synagogues and temples were built from wood, coded knocks were devised so Jews could gain entry. How do you use knock on wood in a sentence? What does the phrase "knock on wood" mean. Theme can be used to create a professional Q&A community. Stewart's disco version was the most successful on weekly music charts. Knock on Wood (deutsch : ‚auf Holz klopfen‘) ist ein oft gecovertes, ursprünglich von Steve Cropper und Eddie Floyd 1966 komponiertes Lied, das als Single die Top 30 … What's the meaning of the phrase 'Knock on wood'? It's funny just how much the Christian tradition owes its spread to Pagan traditions whose names we don't even know now; even as a Christian, I find that a little sad. Lernen Sie die Übersetzung für 'Knock on wood!' The album yielded two successful single releases, "Knock on Wood" (#1 US Pop, #6 U.S. R&B, #5 U.S. Club Play, #6 UK, #13 Germany) and "Light My Fire / 137 Disco Heaven" (#69 US Pop, #36 US R&B, #5 UK, #26 Germany). Define knock on wood. spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and It was considered good luck to tap trees to let the good spirits know that you were there. For Example : "My throat is finally feeling better, knock on wood!" knock wood phrase. There’s also a Jewish version of “knock on wood” origin that contends the practice originated in the 1490s during the Spanish Inquisition under the infamous Torquemada. Cambridge Dictionary +Plus Here you can check out the meaning of Knock On Wood. Information and translations of Knock on Wood in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. this expression is a superstition that is used in the hope that a good thing will continue to occur even after its mentioned. Knocking on wood, also touch wood, is an apotropaic tradition of literally touching, tapping, or knocking on wood, or merely stating that one is doing or intending to do so, in order to avoid "tempting fate" after making a favorable prediction or boast, or a declaration concerning one's own death or another unfavorable situation. People knock on wood in one of two contexts. The Common / Miscellaneous / Community Acronym / Slang Knock On Wood means... AcronymsAndSlang. knock on wood synonyms, knock on wood pronunciation, knock on wood translation, English dictionary definition of knock on wood. Hop on to get the meaning of Knock On Wood acronym / slang / Abbreviation. knock on wood definition: 1. said in order to avoid bad luck, either when you mention good luck that you have had in the past…. In other cases, people may say “knock on wood” or “touch wood” after making a potentially risky statement such as “it doesn't look like rain today.”. This expression alludes to an ancient … In the first, someone makes a statement about something which they hope does not come true, and they knock to avoid that event. It is 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. That's how the intro to 'Knock on Wood' came about." Why is It Considered Bad Luck to Break a Mirror? The song has become covered by later artists, most notably Amii Stewart in 1979. What is the origin of the phrase "Laundry List"? A clean and minimal question and answer theme for WordPress and AnsPress. People often knock on wood when they make a statement that seems to tempt fate. Superstitions surrounding evil spirits are ancient, and the idea of touching wood to avoid them is also quite old. Stems from the use of a high class person using fake, store … Knock on wood Meaning… To knock on wood was to alert leprechauns that you were thanking them for giving you good luck. knock on wood. This expression alludes to the ages-old superstition that literally knocking on wood would ward off evil spirits. Definition of knock wood in the Idioms Dictionary. In the other instance, someone makes a statement about a desired outcome, and they perform the act either to pay homage to lucky spirits or to ward off bad ones, depending on personal belief. knock-on-wood idioms. Others believe the phrase originated in Ireland. Many people in Northern Europe and North America knock so reflexively that they do not even realize that they are doing it, showing how ingrained the tradition is in these cultures. The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained. Knock on wood or knocking on wood is a gesture made to prevent ill fortune or reverse action. The exact origins of the tradition are unclear. The phrases are sometimes spoken when a person is already experiencing some good fortune and hope that it will continue - for example "I've been winning on every race - touch wood". This phrase is used by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck. Knock on wood - definition of knock on wood by The Free Dictionary. I had never heard the Pagan or Christian origins before; for sure, my really devout friend are not knocking on wood types. He would throw salt over his shoulder and knock on wood just for good luck, I didn't learn this until I lived with him. Why is It Considered Bad Luck to Walk Under a Ladder. In the UK, the phrase ' touch wood ' is used - often jokingly by tapping one's head. This magical formula, put as touch wood in Great Britain, is based on the superstition that touching or rapping on anything wooden will avoid a disaster, especially after one has boasted. Where did the phrase “knock on wood” come from? What does Knock on Wood mean? Express a wish that something will or will not occur, as in This last round of treatment should have cured her, knock on wood. knock on wood. Pieces of wood or the true cross may be carried around for good luck by some people as well. In these instances, people might knock wood to request good luck, or to distract spirits with evil intentions. Nothing crap, promise. And so hopefully, you know, knock on wood, we'll get to do a second season, and that will be one for next year. The idea is that knocking on wood will ward off evil spirits. I might say something like ‘ugh it’s finally gone, knock on wood’. In the other instance, someone makes a statement about a desired outcome, and they perform the act either to pay homage to lucky spirits or to ward off bad ones, depending on personal belief. knock on wood Avoid misfortune and/or hope for good luck. Likewise people say it after an expression or exultation of some kind. In most cases, it is believed that one must literally knock on wood to deflect bad luck. saw wood; Definitions include: to sleep. Video shows what knock on wood means. Wie oben erwähnt, wird KOW als Akronym in Textnachrichten verwendet, um Knock on Wood darzustellen. People knock on wood in one of two contexts. While knocking on wood is unlikely to have a scientific basis, it seems to be a relatively harmless superstition, and some people believe that it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to luck. What are synonyms for knock on wood? Often it is said following a boastful statement on one’s accomplishments or good fortune. To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement.. or. Search knock on wood and thousands of other words in English definition and synonym dictionary from Reverso. … Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the Where did the phrase "knock on wood" come from? To knock on wood was to alert leprechauns that you were thanking them for giving you good luck. I have never had an automobile accident, knock on wood, said Chris.. Bitte beachten Sie, dass Knock on Wood nicht die einzige Bedeutung von KOW ist. Receive all latest updates and answers right into your inbox. Knock on Wood Lyrics: I don't want to lose this good thing / That I've got, 'cause if I do / I would surely, surely lose a lot / 'Cause your love is better than any love I know / It's like thunder Definition of Knock on Wood in the Definitions.net dictionary. Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. The Knock On Wood meaning is Have not had a misfortune yet. The saying is basically used to avoid jinxing yourself and losing your good luck. Auf dieser Seite dreht sich alles um das Akronym von KOW und seine Bedeutung als Knock on Wood. In many pagan traditions, fairies and other creatures were said to live in the trees. Interpreting Idioms: Idioms are figurative phrases used to describe literal things. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. The meaning of this idiom is (idiomatic, US) A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.. In the first, someone makes a statement about something which they hope does not come true, and they knock to avoid that event. This phrase is used by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck. What does knock wood expression mean? Learn more. "Knock on Wood" is a 1966 hit song written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper and originally performed by Floyd. : On the other hand people still avoid walking under ladders and knock on wood and cross their fingers in order to guard there luck. Question: What is the meaning of 'knock on wood'? This idea may have been adapted by Christians, as many early pagan beliefs were, and certainly some people associate knocking on wood with the cross. To Good For Real Wood; Definitions include: A derogatory phrase used to describe a person who is stuck up. 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