Lord willing and the creek don't rise

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative forms 1.2 Phrase 1.2.1 Usage notes 1.2.2 Synonyms 1.2.3 Translations 1.2.4 Dictionary notes

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative forms

See Usage notes

[edit] Phrase

Lord willing and the creek don't rise

1. (idiomatic, US, informal) Barring unforeseen circumstances.

   Lord willing and the creek don't rise, we'll have that new barn finished in time for the harvest.

[edit] Usage notes

• This is a mildly irreverent variant of the more religious indications of acceptance of God's will: Lord willing and God willing.
• Numerous alternative forms can be found, some examples of which are shown on the Talk page.
  • For "Lord" common substitutes are "Good Lord" and "God".
  • For "creek", "crick" and "river" are common; also "Creeks" based on an alternative etymology.
  • The weather is often a substitute for the the second part of the phrase
  • Some believe "creek" may have once been a reference to the Creek Indian tribe.
  • The devil is invoked as a source of trouble.
  • There are numerous substitutions of worldly agency, sometimes for humorous effect.

[edit] Synonyms

• (barring unforeseen circumstances): God willing, Lord willing

[edit] Translations

• Finnish: jos luoja suo

[edit] Dictionary notes

Merriam Webster Word to the Wise (audio)