knock on wood

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Wikipedia

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Verb 1.2.1 See also 1.2.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP): IPA: /ˈnɒk ɒn ˈwʊd/
• (US): IPA: /ˈnɑk ɑn ˈwʊd/, /ˈnɔk ɔn ˈwʊd/, /ˈnak ɑn ˈwʊd/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Verb

to knock on wood

1. (idiomatic, US) To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement.
2. (idiomatic, US) A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.

   I do a lot of walking, and I have never had any knee problems yet, knock on wood.

[edit] See also

• touch wood (UK)

[edit] Translations