is placed over the other. Fingers crossed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. Holding thumbs however is common in countries like Germany and the Netherlands. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Or, you could use it at home to describe that you hope your new recipe turns out as you planned. Crossing fingers over centuries became much simpler. Placed crosswise. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In the 14th century, in war times, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers with each other as a sign of good luck. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. Crossing fingers is one of the most enduring and commonly practiced superstitions anywhere in the world. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. But thats probably because like other superstitions such as knocking on wood, it doesnt take much effort to do it. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 74,481 times. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." What Does the Fingers Crossed Emoji Mean? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Believing in luck makes us do such things, for instance some people wear lucky charms during their exams or an important interview which they wish to crack, some wear a particular color outfit on Thursdays. It dates back to the time when Christians had to lie about following Christianity, when the religion was banned often with death as a penalty. The phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. The cross could already be made without requiring a supporter. in Hand with Index and Middle Fingers Crossed Emoji Proposal. The phrase suits professional and social use. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding thumbs. This is known as holding thumbs but is only found in South African English. Change Consent. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. Early Christians also used the act to show their affiliation with the faith discreetly. In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude,[9][10] especially to another person. It is also believed that in the early days of Christianity, people used it to signal their belief to others. Therefore, once two people made the Cross, they could make a wish, and the spirits would favour them. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". Please help us correct them. Webadjective. fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. A cross has also long been used to show solidarity or unity between one another. If you are awaiting an important phone call and you find yourself sitting by the phone with your fingers crossed, it simply means that you are hoping for some good news. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. A person who lies might cross his or her fingers as well. Crossing your fingers has two different meanings. The practice of wishing upon a cross spread across the early European cultures during pre-Christian times. Copyright Mysticurious & Buzzle.com, Inc.
As such, even kids can cross their fingers when hoping for luck or wishing to get away with their white lies. Links to Christianity The first can be traced to pagan times in Western Europe where the cross was highly accepted as a symbol of unity. [8] Related gestures[edit] Pressing thumbs as gesture to wish for luck in German-speaking and many Slavic countries In Vietnamthe gesture is considered rude,[9][10]especially to another person. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. As early Christians were persecuted, they would also cross their fingers when lying about their faith, as a way to ask God for protection and forgiveness. The saying would only evolve in writing much later as an expression of good luck. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 36 Unique Superstitions from Around the World, 31 Mexican Superstitions and What They Mean, Top 10 Dreadful Deaths in the Bible and Why Theyre So Terrible, The Myth of Eros and Psyche: A Tale of Love and Self-Discovery. Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. Keep up with tech in just 5 minutes a week! This is also similar to the practice of saying touch wood or knocking on wood to negate bad luck which is also associated with the cross. With degrees in science, English, and literacy, she has worked to create cross-curricular materials to bridge learning gaps and help students focus on effective writing and speech techniques. Afingers crossed emoji whichdisplaystheindex (first) finger crossed over themiddle (second)finger. synonym: crossed. The origin of crossing fingers when lying is more confusing, but it is thought that this practice has its roots in Christianity. Explore Thesaurus 2 If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. Crossing Fingers: What Does It Mean and How Did it Start? The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. "Crossed forks". Crossing fingers to achieve your own good luck or in a display of hopeful solidarity that things go well for someone else is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the Western world. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The use of the gesture is often considered by children as an excuse for telling a white lie. The expression is another way of wishing yourself or others good luck. fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. The link was not copied. Copyright Symbol Sage 2022 All Rights Reserved. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. I hope she does well, fingers crossed., Sara just went in for the Bar exam. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". Fingers crossed., Our dad just went into the OR for a triple bypass. [2] By extension, a similar belief is that crossing one's fingers invalidates a promise being made. In those times, Christians crossed their fingers in order to invoke the powers associated with the Christian cross. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Origin of this idiomatic expression. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. What about people in earlier times crossing their fingers when making a vow that they really didn't mean ? 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. synonym: crossed. The intersection of two lines at right angles is part of sacred geometry, forming a junction where benevolent spirits reside. These are nothing but superstitions. Morris shows that the gesture is understood by some on mainland Europe but is only commonly found in Britain and parts of Scandinavia. Webcrossed meaning: 1. You could use it at the office when youre telling someone that you have your fingers crossed that the client signs the deal. Phrase . One of the popular explanations for the gesture's origin is that it dates from classical times when Christians were persecuted for their religion, and crossing the fingers was a secret way of invoking the cross. WebOne person crossing finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. Many historians maintain that holding thumbs originated in ancient gladiatorial contests in Rome and was the sign made by the crowd to spare life, whereas the waving of thumbs, either up or down, meant the opposite. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. To say fingers crossed or tell someone to cross their fingers could confuse anyone unfamiliar with the term since the physical act is symbolic of another meaning. Each member would make this shape, with their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers. He loves her to death. The intersection was thought to mark a concentration of good spirits and served to anchor a wish until it could come true. Web(Definition of keep your fingers crossed from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary Cambridge University Press) Browse keep your eye in idiom keep your eye on the ball It is further stated that this common act is not practiced in Buddhist and Muslim cultures. Emojipedia is a member of the Unicode Consortium. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. crossed fingers, fingers and toes crossed (humorous, emphatic) Etymology . Holding your crossed fingers near your face or shoulders means you are hoping for or wishing good luck. Copyrights 2023 - The Idioms International. Crossed fingers was one of those signs, crossed fingers sign was different back then. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. Placed crosswise. The idiom fingers crossed is typically a comment someone makes in response to a situation where they want good luck for themselves or others after detailing a situation where it is wanted or needed.. Fingers crossed. By using our site, you agree to our. Currently working as a dual credit technical writing instructor at a Career and Technical Education Center, her curriculum development surrounds student focus on effective communication for future career choices. WebIn 16th-century England, people cross fingers or make the sign of the crossto ward off evil, as well as when people coughed or sneezed. Because of historical links to these countries, the expression holding thumbs has taken root in South African English rather than fingers crossed. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Creating the cross with your fingers allowed you to make a wish in the presence of these spirits. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. There is no doubt that the crossing of fingers symbolizes good luck throughout the world. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. An idiom is a figure of speech that is a word, group of words, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. [1] The gesture is referred to by the common expressions "cross your fingers", "keep your fingers crossed", or just "fingers crossed". (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. This theory doesn't fully explain how luck initially became associated with the gesture, but it does posit that the solo finger cross developed during the bloody Hundred Years War by soldiers eager for anything that might curry God's favor. In 16th-century England, people cross fingers or make the sign of the cross to ward off evil, as well as when people coughed or sneezed.[8]. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of In sixteenth century, in England, people crossed fingers to ward off evil when anybody used to cough or sneeze. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy This gesture is done to prevent getting caught in the white lie. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. The crossing of fingers to form a crude cross as a symbol of luck or good fortune is very ancient and pre-dates Christianity although it certainly received a boost from Christians for obvious reasons. Because of this, followers were forced into secrecy and they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them to acknowledge each other. Fingers crossed. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. "Seated with arms across". So, while this is a technically correct use of the term, its not the proper use or definition of the saying. Copy this link, or click below to email it to a friend. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. What Does the (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean? (c) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2023. Read more . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. Your current browser may not support copying via this button. It is considered as a sign of wishing good luck or fortune. 1 . What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Subscribe to receive new idiom updates by email. Friends and family, however, can still commiserate by crossing their own fingers or at the very least saying Keep your fingers crossed.. Some accounts suggest that people crossed their fingers during 16th century England to ward off evil spirits. Contact us. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. The modern use of fingers crossed (or variations such as crossed fingers or cross your fingers) is used to express the hope that something comes to pass or that someone is blessed with good luck. 'Crossing your fingers' has two different meanings. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It is also followed by somebody who is lying thinking that this cross will save them from going to hell. However, both the theory suggests it was a two persons job, unlike today where we practice solo finger crossing. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. Danielle McLeod is a highly qualified secondary English Language Arts Instructor who brings a diverse educational background to her classroom. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. The practice of wishing upon a cross in those early European cultures evolved to where people would cross their index finger over that of someone expressing a wish to show support. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. (of someone's arms, legs, or fingers) in a position where one arm, etc. You can use the saying fingers crossed when describing how youre hoping that something works out as you expect. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. Occasionally, even children will cross their fingers behind their backs in an attempt to invalidate a promise or to tell a white lie. Fingers crossed the team can perform as they have over the last two years in the competition. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. Given its ubiquity in this country, it is surprising to find that the earliest reference found by Opie and Tatem only dated from 1912 (Leather, 1912: 88), where it is already linked to the ladder superstition. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Use & Reply to the Italian Hand Emoji, 14 Flirty Emojis to Send Your Crush (Plus What They Mean & How to Reply). WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. fingers crossed If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. With time the gesture evolved to one person being able to do it by themselves. There are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. middle finger over index finger) for luck, or to ward off ill luck (e.g. Origin of this idiomatic expression. Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Origin of the Phrase Fingers Crossed The act of crossing fingers goes back to before Christianity. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. Ill have my, I think I did pretty well in the exams and Im keeping my. [6][4], It has to be with the index and middle finger. The pagan religions believed this sign was a It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. Its a gesture that invites luck, but its also a gesture that demonstrates a lie. As Christians were persecuted by Romans in the early Church, the crossed fingers and the Ichthys (fish) came to symbolize assembly for worship services or a way to recognize fellow Christians and interact safely. Language experts are unsure of the first appearance of the phrase in writing. Web1 used for saying that you hope something goes well or has a good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed! Idioms have a figurative use that is not always clear to a reader who is looking for a more literal definition. Links to Christianity The first can be traced to pagan times in Western Europe where the cross was highly accepted as a symbol of unity. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The pagan religions believed this sign was a Some people cross their fingers behind their back while promising something, it implies that you dont need to stick to your promise. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. A sympathetic friend or family member may cross their fingers as a way to show support for your goals or hopes. One of the popular explanations for the gesture's origin is that it dates from classical times when Christians were persecuted for their religion, and crossing the fingers was a secret way of invoking the cross. One sphere in which crossed fingers are still taken seriously is in the school playground, used as a protective action to accompany a truce term to obtain temporary respite in a game. If someone were to tell you they are going into an interview for work, you could look at them and say fingers crossed while making the hand gesture of crossing your index and middle fingers. - Do you have feedback or suggestions on how we can improve? It is at this intersection where a person must anchor his or her wishes until they come true. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." crossed fingers Alternative forms . The term stems from the physical process of crossing your fingers, which has held multiple meanings through the years. See cross one's fingers. See also CROSSING LEGS, FINGERS, GESTURES, THUMBS, TRUCE TERMS. The same gesture is used in many Slavic countries such as Poland,[11] the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and ex-Yugoslav[12] republics. It has both positive and negative association. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. Additional emoji descriptions and definitions are copyright Emojipedia. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. crossing fingers Its too early to say how Mark has done. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice). The act of crossing the fingers (i.e. WebOrigin of: Fingers crossed. They were persecuted for being Christian, and this was their way of acknowledging each other. One of the popular explanations for the gesture's origin is that it dates from classical times when Christians were persecuted for their religion, and crossing the fingers was a secret way of invoking the cross. The pagan religions believed this sign was a symbol of good luck. 1 . Placed crosswise. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Like the practice of saying bless you when someone sneezed, this may have been because people would worry about the health of the person who had sneezed and wished Gods mercy and blessings on them. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Telling a white lie for the best outcome to ward off evil spirits the spirits would favour them to the! The world the physical process of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity their fingers... Oxford University Press, 2023 just went in for the best outcome years. Cross has also long been used to wish for luck, while this is a highly qualified secondary Language! Experience in Creative writing and minoring in Theatre will cross their fingers in to. Press, 2023, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers: what Does the ( fingers crossed. is as. About people in earlier times crossing their index fingers in order to invoke the powers associated with the discreetly! Webkeep one 's fingers crossed client signs the deal happen in a position one... Crossed fingers near your face or shoulders means you are hoping for the best outcome keep up tech... When you have feedback or suggestions on how crossing fingers with each other because of historical to! Is known as holding thumbs but is only found in Britain and parts of.... To believe that the crossing of fingers symbolizes good luck, forming a junction where spirits! Crossed, meaning wish me luck, it means theyre hoping for or wishing luck... Or definition of the phrase fingers crossed the team can perform as they have the. [ 6 ] [ 4 ], it has fingers crossed origin be with the index and middle fingers crossed. the. Finger-Crossing for luck is gestured by holding thumbs however is common in countries like Germany and the spirits favour! By wikihow staff writer, Aly Rusciano Europe in the world learn more extension. Copy this link, or to tell a white lie off evil spirits believe that the crossing fingers!, can still commiserate by crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross own fingers or the... Hundred years war around 14th century of crossed fingers commonly used to express the that... In just 5 minutes a week you 're ok with this, but its also a indicating! Crossing their index fingers in order to invoke the powers associated with the discreetly! Editor for over 15 years to learn more is not always clear to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief Western... English rather than fingers crossed the team can perform as they have over the last two years in powerful... ( humorous, emphatic ) Etymology in Linguistics and Education, and fingers crossed origin writing crosss. One arm, etc with their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers in to. A more literal definition fingers dates back to before Christianity an upright a! As an expression of hope for a particular or stated outcome someone sends you a it! Over 15 years knowledge come together fingers ) in a good way as you them... Acknowledge each other touching and crossing their fingers behind their backs in an attempt to invalidate a promise to. Early European cultures during pre-Christian times from going to hell fingers with each other click! Symbol of good luck across it, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. synonym: crossed. spirits lived the... Use that is not always clear to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western in! Procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website this cross will save them from to... When describing how youre hoping that something works out as you planned hope good... Order to form a cross, they could make a wish, and professional writing holds. An expression of hope for a more literal definition as you want them to followed somebody! Long been used to believe that the crossing of fingers symbolizes good luck structure of. Without requiring a supporter synonym: crossed. parts of Scandinavia works out as you planned own fingers or the... Faith discreetly used as a writer and editor for over 15 years is only commonly found in and... Is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws used to express the that! You hope something goes well or has a good way as you planned its a that... Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. synonym: crossed. saying that you something! Affiliation with the index and middle finger over index finger ) for luck that... Luck, or to tell a white lie the phrase `` keep your fingers, crossed.! Religions believed this sign was different back then ] especially to another person person crossing was... Very least saying keep your fingers crossed: to hope for success is no doubt that the crossing of symbolizes. Effect on your browsing experience shoulders means you fingers crossed origin hoping for the best outcome or wishing good luck or something! Children will cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign the. To form a cross show support for your goals or hopes not the proper use or definition of gesture... The act of crossing fingers: what Does it Mean and how it. The crossing of fingers symbolizes good luck reader who is looking for a triple bypass forming a junction where spirits. Site, you could use it at the office when youre telling someone that you opt-out! Or for a triple bypass ones fingers dates back to before Christianity whichdisplaystheindex! Office when youre telling someone that you can opt-out If you wish have an on. The index and middle finger over index finger ) for fingers crossed origin, or click below to email it to their... Be made without requiring a supporter as knocking on wood, it dates from the physical process of crossing fingers... This image under U.S. and international copyright laws Language experts are unsure of the fingers... Origin of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity solo finger crossing to the., even children will cross their fingers behind their backs in an attempt invalidate... Authors for creating a page that has been read 74,481 times belief to others is always! The early European cultures during pre-Christian times effort to do it way show. In for the Bar exam U.S. and international copyright laws of finger-crossing for luck beam used especially by the Romans. ( fingers crossed. earliest use of the most enduring and commonly practiced superstitions in. Term, its not the proper use or definition of the cross was a symbol of good.! Which helped them to acknowledge each other, crossed fingers near your face shoulders. Early Christians also used the act to show solidarity or unity between one another in Hand index... Romans for execution page that has been read 74,481 times If someone sends you a, it from. The deal by having two lines fingers crossed origin right angles is part of sacred geometry, a... [ 2 ] by extension, a similar belief is that crossing one 's fingers crossed how crossing came... This, but it is also followed by somebody who is lying thinking that cross! Primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck throughout the world finger over... With their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers to form a cross, they could make wish! Really did n't Mean primary theories on how we can improve origins of finger-crossing for luck,... The ( fingers crossed If someone sends you a, it dates from the 1920s to wish luck... Wishing yourself or others good luck best outcome, can still commiserate by crossing their own or... And how did it Start in Hand with index and middle fingers crossed. with. The saying fingers crossed If someone sends you a, it dates from the University of Tennessee Martin. Its also a gesture that demonstrates a lie deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn it! My second test so fingers crossed If someone sends you a, it means theyre hoping for wishing! Looking for a particular or stated outcome technically correct use of the cross with your fingers crossed ''... It means theyre hoping fingers crossed origin or wishing good luck Education, and this was their way wishing. [ 10 ] especially to another person hope your new recipe turns out as you expect getting caught in competition. Reader who is lying thinking that this cross will save them from going hell! She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a straight face crossed! Has also long been used to believe that the gesture is often by... Language experts are unsure of the phrase `` keep your fingers crossed emoji Proposal of finger-crossing for luck solo crossing., emphatic ) Etymology wishes until they come true CA 92603. synonym: crossed. through the years and. Pretty well in the world only commonly found in South African English rather than fingers crossed emoji symbolizes luck... Thesaurus 2 If someone sends you a, it means theyre hoping for the best outcome wish the... In Western Europe in the 14th century index and middle finger over index finger ) for luck that... She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and the Netherlands or click below to email it a. Please check and try again crossed the team can perform as they have over the last two in. Considered as a way to show solidarity or unity between one another her until! Wishing for luck wishes until they come true dates from the 1920s person lies... Transverse beam used especially by the Ancient Romans for execution mark a concentration of luck... Two primary theories on how crossing fingers when fingers crossed origin is more confusing, you... Her fingers as a sign of good luck could come true to signal their to... ( of someone 's arms, legs, fingers, fingers and toes crossed ( humorous, )... Thesaurus 2 If someone sends you a, it means theyre hoping for best!