← Back to collection
Region: UK / Ireland | Usage example: Touch wood, no one has been sick this winter.

Touch wood

Meaning

Knock on wood to avoid tempting fate.

Usage

Used to ward off bad luck after a positive statement.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Pagan custom of touching trees believed to house spirits.

Gained traction in British and Irish English.

Related Idioms

Touch base

Briefly check in or reconnect.

Knock on wood

Perform a gesture to prevent bad luck after speaking positively.

Touch and go

Uncertain with a potentially dangerous outcome.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.