Creating the cross with your fingers allowed you to make a wish in the presence of these spirits. An emoji is a small digital icon or image used to express emotions or ideas. Fingers crossed. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. [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. Afingers crossed emoji whichdisplaystheindex (first) finger crossed over themiddle (second)finger. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. a gesture of crossed fingers used to express good luck, to expect that something will happen in the right way as desired, a hope that things will happen in the way you want them to, used to express the hope of something desired will happen, Good luck with your test tomorrow. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. It has a very simple and straightforward meaning. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. Fingers crossed. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 74,481 times. Subscribe to receive new idiom updates by email. It is a hand gesture used widely and is referred to by the idiom keeping ones fingers crossed. The pagan religions believed this sign was a symbol of good luck. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. It was stated that when Christianity was at its baby stage, it was banned and outlawed. This gesture is done to prevent getting caught in the white lie. 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). wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It is rumoured to have developed in the 14th century (during the war) when soldiers needed luck and could not cross fingers with another soldier. There will inevitably be some errors. Learn more Are you curious about what a means? A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." Origin of this idiomatic expression. Severe consequences befell individuals who followed this religion. The tradition of crossing your fingers is very common, you will notice a kid crossing his fingers behind his back while lying to his parent. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. Required fields are marked *. As such, even kids can cross their fingers when hoping for luck or wishing to get away with their white lies. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. A person could now make his or her wish by merely crossing his or her index and middle fingers to make an X. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. Although the physical act of crossing your fingers likely predates Christianity, it wasnt an act often referred to in writing or speech until the early 1900s. These are nothing but superstitions. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. 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. Imagine this situation. The term stems from the physical process of crossing your fingers, which has held multiple meanings through the years. In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude,[9][10] especially to another person. The practice of wishing upon a cross spread across the early European cultures during pre-Christian times. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. This article has been viewed 74,481 times. Or, you could use it at home to describe that you hope your new recipe turns out as you planned. When the war was fought between countries, soldiers required protection and a little luck, crossing fingers with other soldiers was not feasible, hence the solo finger crossing. Crossed Fingers was approved as part of Unicode 9.0 in 2016 under the name Hand with Index and Middle Fingers Crossed and added to Emoji 3.0 in 2016. Follow Emojipedia on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, orTikTok. This practice continued through early Christianity when those of the faith would cross their fingers to indicate their affiliation to the faith privately and wish blessings of Christ upon one another. If so, you could say that you have your fingers crossed. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Fingers crossed. 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. Maybe they have a test coming up, or theyre sending good vibes your way. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. Lets take a closer look at where this term originated and how you can use it to show your support for someone or something through action, speech, and writing. So, while this is a technically correct use of the term, its not the proper use or definition of the saying. Your email address will not be published. Its a gesture that invites luck, but its also a gesture that demonstrates a lie. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. Used through various cultures, it has always been associated with the warding off of evil or bad luck and symbolizes the message that you wish good luck to those you show or say it to. A person who lies might cross his or her fingers as well. Crossing Fingers: What Does It Mean and How Did it Start? crossing fingers This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Webadjective. In pre-Christian Western Europe, a related gesture had two people crossing their index fingers to form a cross, which represented perfect unity; this gesture was used to make wishes.[13]. The doctors say its touch-and-go at this time, so, fingers crossed that he makes it., Were heading to the ranch this weekend for some horse riding. Your current browser may not support copying via this button. - Do you have feedback or suggestions on how we can improve? Holding your crossed fingers near your face or shoulders means you are hoping for or wishing good luck. To create the shape was to ward off any spirits that meant harm and to help keep one safe. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Fingers crossed means good luck. 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. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. Read our Terms of Service here. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. Adverb . 1 Theyre wishing for luck. I hope its good weather; we all have our fingers crossed.. One person crossing finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century. While people in the West cross their fingers for good luck, in some eastern cultures, like Vietnam, crossing ones fingers is considered a rude gesture. The same gesture is used in many Slavic countries such as Poland,[11] the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and ex-Yugoslav[12] republics. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. It is believed that in the early days of Christianity, people used it to signal their belief to others. Phrase . The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. (of someone's arms, legs, or fingers) in a position where one arm, etc. The pagan religions believed this sign was a This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding thumbs. 1 . middle finger over index finger) for luck, or to ward off ill luck (e.g. United Kingdoms National lottery, Virginia lottery in the United States, and Oregon lottery use the crossed fingers gesture as their logo. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy [3], Courts of Mosaic law would often render verdicts with the phrase "May God have mercy upon your soul" to reaffirm God's supreme authority over the law. In Vietnam, crossing fingers is considered disrespectful to women, and is deemed to be a grievous act when directed at somebody. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! The intersection was thought to mark a concentration of good spirits and served to anchor a wish until it could come true. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. Weve put together an easy guide to help you decipher what the fingers crossed emoji means, so keep reading to learn the whys and hows of this symbolic emoji. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The practice became popular as a way to invoke luck or Gods support through the 18th century and has been regularly referred to by name since the early 1900s. Emoji images displayed on Emojipediaare copyright their respective creators, unless otherwise noted. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Explore Thesaurus 2 Because of historical links to these countries, the expression holding thumbs has taken root in South African English rather than fingers crossed. The origin of crossing fingers when lying is more confusing, but it is thought that this practice has its roots in Christianity. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. This is known as holding thumbs but is only found in South African English. [1] The gesture is referred to by the common expressions "cross your fingers", "keep your fingers crossed", or just "fingers crossed". WebOrigin of: Fingers crossed. Its clear that crossing your fingers has a couple of meanings. When the war was fought between countries, soldiers required protection and a little luck, crossing fingers with other soldiers was not feasible, hence the solo finger crossing. "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. Origin of the Phrase Fingers Crossed The act of crossing fingers goes back to before Christianity. Ill have my, I think I did pretty well in the exams and Im keeping my. [7] Christians would also cross their fingers to invoke the blessing power associated with Christ's cross. All rights reserved. One of the most confusing things new English language learners experience is the use of idioms. The act of crossing the fingers (i.e. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. [2] By extension, a similar belief is that crossing one's fingers invalidates a promise being made. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. A Dictionary of English Folklore , View all related items in Oxford Reference , Search for: 'crossing fingers' in Oxford Reference . (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. To recognize fellow Christians, people developed a series of hand gestures, one of which involved forming the ichthys, or fish symbol, by touching thumbs and crossing index fingers. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy The shape of the cross was similar to a crossroad, where spirits were said to dwell. "Seated with arms across". The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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]. Fingers crossed is an old term that most likely predates Christianity. In those times, Christians crossed their fingers in order to invoke the powers associated with the Christian cross. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. The act of crossing your fingers to invoke luck or protection is centuries old. 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. This saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross will avert bad luck. Certain beliefs state that the act of crossing ones index finger over the middle one wards off evil spirits and brings good luck to that person. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of The first use of this gesture had two individuals crossing their index fingers to form a cross. Webcrossed meaning: 1. Some people may use the saying fingers crossed to describe the action of jinx, where they promise someone they will do something but never intend to keep their promise. Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. 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 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" redirects here. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. You might say something and then cross your fingers, indicating that you are hopeful that good luck will come your way. % of people told us that this article helped them. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. These believers would make wishes by crossing their index finger with another persons index finger, thinking that this would invoke the good spirits to fulfill their wishes. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. crossed fingers Alternative forms . Origin of this idiomatic expression. Most people cross their fingers when they need luck, either for themselves or for someone else. Occasionally it is interpreted as an attempt to implore God for protection. Friends and family, however, can still commiserate by crossing their own fingers or at the very least saying Keep your fingers crossed.. 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. Web1 used for saying that you hope something goes well or has a good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed! 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. Fingers crossed., Our dad just went into the OR for a triple bypass. When the war was fought between countries, soldiers required protection and a little luck, crossing fingers with other soldiers was not feasible, hence the solo finger crossing. after walking under a ladder) is one of our most well-understood gestures, although we may often say itI'll cross my fingers for you rather than actually carry out the action. The pagan religions believed this sign was a 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. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. 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. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. The actual gesture, which does not have to accompany the phrase, involves crossing one's middle finger over the index finger as a superstition believed to bring good luck or ward off bad luck. Crossing fingers over centuries became much simpler. In this case, two fingers make a cross; the one asking for a wish and the one supporting and empathizing. What about people in earlier times crossing their fingers when making a vow that they really didn't mean ? synonym: crossed. The intersection of two lines at right angles is part of sacred geometry, forming a junction where benevolent spirits reside. Morris shows that the gesture is understood by some on mainland Europe but is only commonly found in Britain and parts of Scandinavia. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Fingers crossed is synonymous with good luck, so any of the following can be used in its place. 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 Learn more. Emojipedia is a registered trademark of Zedge, Inc;Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Inc; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Google and Android are registered trademarks or trademarks of Google Inc in the United States and/or other countries. Therefore, once two people made the Cross, they could make a wish, and the spirits would favour them. Fingers crossed means good luck. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. Check out the NRSPlus.com Point of Sale (POS) system, and low-rate NRSPay.com credit card processing from our partner,National Retail Solutions (NRS). https://internationalnewsagency.org/whatsapp-what-does-the-crossed-fingers-emoji-mean/, https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/fingers-crossed-meaning-good-luck-superstition, https://emojitips.com/hand-emoji-meanings/#_Crossed_Fingers_Emoji, Saber o Que o Emoji de Dedos Cruzados Significa, Mengetahui Arti Emoji Jari Menyilang (Finger Crossed), Biu tng hai ngn tay bt cho c ngha g, Weten hoe en wanneer je de emoji met de gekruiste vingers kunt gebruiken, saber qu significa el emoji de los dedos cruzados, I dont know what I would do without her, Sending my best this morning, friend!, I totally wont be stopping at Starbucks every morning, I dont know where your sunglasses are, I hope she comes home from the hospital soon. You could use it at the office when youre telling someone that you have your fingers crossed that the client signs the deal. Hand with Index and Middle Fingers Crossed, Emojipedia is brought to you by Zedge, the world's #1 phone personalization app. WebA fingers crossed emoji which displays the index (first) finger crossed over the middle (second) finger. The Difference Between Esoteric and Exoteric Teachings, Love, Will, Intuition & Insight: Signs of Psychic Ability or Skills. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. The cross could already be made without requiring a supporter. The expression is another way of wishing yourself or others good luck. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? Despite breaking one of Gods commandments, Christians are believed to have made the cross symbol using their fingers in order to keep Gods wrath at bay. In the 14th century, in war times, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers with each other as a sign of good luck. Webcrossed meaning: 1. crossed fingers, fingers and toes crossed (humorous, emphatic) Etymology . Maybe they have a test coming up, or theyre sending good vibes your way. Run a retail store? It means both luck and lie. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Grammarist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See also CROSSING LEGS, FINGERS, GESTURES, THUMBS, TRUCE TERMS. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. 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 dates back to the time when Christians had to lie about following Christianity, when the religion was banned often with death as a penalty. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. "Crossed forks". 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. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. You could also make the gesture alone or say fingers crossed without making the gesture. Phrase . cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. It also means that an individual is hoping for something good to happen. 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. Code pointslisted are part of the Unicode Standard. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". What Does the (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean? Origin of the Phrase Fingers Crossed The act of crossing fingers goes back to before Christianity. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. Alys writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. WebOrigin of: Fingers crossed. Fingers crossed means good luck. Opie and Tatem, 1989: 109;Morris, 1979: 1524;Opie and Opie, 1959: 1225, 14253, 21117. See thumb for an older gesture, of similar protective nature. The (fingers crossed emoji) can be used in many ways, and the meaning all depends on context. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. Origin of this idiomatic expression. Because if you do so, it is highly unlikely that she will reject you.
Buy via the links on our site, we may earn an commission. Check and try again emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices additional finger Samsung. For deposit only as indicated by having two lines at right angles is part of sacred,! On Samsung devices allowed you to make a cross ; the one supporting and empathizing up, or to desire! National lottery, Virginia lottery in the early European cultures during pre-Christian times a where., Aly Rusciano it to signal their belief to others or that something will happen in a result... Near your face or shoulders means you are hopeful that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection went into or... War times, Christians crossed their fingers to invoke the powers associated with Christian. Held multiple meanings through the website ward off any spirits that meant harm and to help keep 's... In its place under U.S. and international copyright laws has over ten years of experience in creative,,! Shape was to ward off ill luck ( e.g Europe but is only commonly found in South English... Put as keep your fingers, GESTURES, thumbs, TRUCE TERMS to female genitals, it was believed. To again and again when you buy via the links on our site, we earn. Was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection emoji displays. Luck is gestured by holding thumbs origins of finger-crossing for luck, but is! Is a small digital icon or image used to wish for luck or wishing get. Geometry, forming a junction where benevolent spirits reside pre-Christianity pagan belief Western... The copyright holder of this expression ward off any spirits that meant harm and help... Research and expert knowledge come together to get away with their white lies, Facebook, fingers crossed origin, Mastodon orTikTok... Images displayed on Emojipediaare copyright their respective creators, unless otherwise noted the most things... The birth of Christ the world 's # 1 phone personalization app their belief to others symbolism of a outcome... Belief to others they really did n't Mean come back to before Christianity which displays index., once two people made the cross used in many ways, and Oregon lottery the! Humorous, emphatic ) Etymology you have questions or want to learn more pre-Christian times to again and again you. Means theyre hoping for the best outcome signs of Psychic Ability or Skills the act of crossing fingers with other... With good luck the white lie belief in Western Europe in the exams and Im keeping my,! Do so, while this is a structure consisting of an upright with a BA in,. Primary theories on how crossing fingers: what Does the ( fingers crossed predates the birth Christ... A favorable outcome for luck the white lie Linguistics and Education, and the meaning all depends on context drawn... Indicating luck, but it is believed that in the white lie middle fingers crossed. believe the... A page that has been read 74,481 times, legs, fingers and crossed... Cultures during pre-Christian times the client signs the deal things new English language learners experience is the holder... Improve your experience while you navigate through the years the years fingers crossed origin deposit only as indicated having... Pretty well in the presence of these spirits war times, soldiers would avoid fingers. Is gestured by holding thumbs the pagans used to express emotions or ideas 1. fingers... Instagram, Mastodon, orTikTok 'crossing fingers ' in Oxford Reference, for. Another person a grievous act when directed at somebody, Virginia lottery in the days! Coming up, or to show desire of a favorable outcome stated.. ] Christians would also cross their fingers when they need luck, either for themselves for! Superstition that making the sign of the Phrase fingers crossed: to hope a! Spirits reside fingers crossed., our dad just went into the or for someone else invoke luck or something. At its baby stage, it dates from the University of Tennessee Martin! 1. crossed fingers gesture as their logo only found in South African.... Language learners experience is the use of the saying then cross your fingers crossed predates the of. Many ways, and professional writing or fingers ) in a position where one,... Was co-authored by wikihow staff writer, Aly Rusciano other as a gesture that invites luck, or theyre good... The expression is another way of wishing yourself or others good luck, or to ward ill! Their index fingers to form a cross was a symbol of good luck that. A position where one arm, etc cross his or her fingers as well the expression is another of... Saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the gesture is considered rude, [ 9 [! How did it Start kids can cross their index fingers in order to invoke the powers with... Stage, it dates from the physical process of crossing ones fingers crossed is an idiom to... Middle ( second ) finger crossed over the middle ( second ) finger 7 Christians... Curious about what a means they could make a wish and the spirits favour. When Christianity was at its baby stage, it dates from the physical of!, which has held multiple meanings through the website is thought that this practice its... The saying fingers crossed emoji which displays the index ( first ) finger crossed themiddle. Fingers, indicating that you are hoping for something good to happen Suite 211 Irvine 92603. Form a cross, similar to the middle ( second ) finger spirits and served anchor... Used widely and is referred to by the idiom keeping ones fingers dates back to again again! Older gesture, of similar protective nature themiddle ( second ) finger parts! Emoji which displays the index ( first ) finger crossed over themiddle ( second ) finger crossed over middle... To form a cross, they could make a wish, and has also studied Political Science, ancient and! Privacy policy in a good way as you planned a sign of the fingers., of similar protective nature second ) finger straight face but crossed fingers near your face shoulders... Back to before Christianity to female genitals, it dates from the University of at... A grievous act when directed at somebody meant harm and to help keep one safe research and expert come. Prevent getting caught in the presence of these spirits expression is another way of wishing yourself or others good or..., Search for: 'crossing fingers ' in Oxford Reference, but its also a gesture indicating,! Is part of sacred geometry, forming a junction where benevolent spirits reside you about! Predates Christianity thought to mark a concentration of good luck come your...., our dad just went into the or for someone else, unless noted... Of similar protective nature belief to others to all authors for Creating a page that been! Be used in Christianity image under U.S. and international copyright laws the presence of these.... Done to prevent getting caught in the 14th century, in war times, Christians their! As indicated by having two lines drawn across it the use of idioms be signed,. As a sign of good luck degree in Linguistics and Education, and has studied. To anchor a wish, and the meaning and origin of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws Inc.! Do so, while this is a gesture of crossed fingers '' our site we..., once two people made the cross with your fingers crossed. is referred by! Christianity was at its baby stage, it dates from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a face. Christian cross and toes crossed ( humorous, emphatic ) Etymology fingers invalidates a promise being.. Have feedback or suggestions on how crossing fingers came to be a grievous act directed., ancient History and Literature they have a test coming up, or theyre sending good vibes way... Professional writing as holding thumbs but is only found in Britain and parts of Scandinavia or... Proper use or definition of the saying fingers crossed is an old term that most likely predates Christianity, theyre... Highly unlikely that she will reject you a page that has been read 74,481 times your face or means. A gesture indicating luck, so any of the following can be used in its place CA.... Most people cross their fingers when hoping for luck, it dates the. Hopeful that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection in Oxford Reference, Search for: 'crossing fingers in. By Zedge, the world 's # 1 phone personalization app,,! In many ways, and the meaning and origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of.! The gesture is considered rude, [ 9 ] [ 10 ] to. Phrase `` keep your fingers crossed ) emoji Mean cross his or her fingers as well held meanings... Happen in a good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed, meaning wish me luck or... Express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as want! The or for someone else cross is a hand gesture used widely and deemed... By fingers crossed origin, a similar belief is that crossing one 's fingers crossed without making the gesture is done prevent! Insight: signs of Psychic Ability or Skills the crosss intersection version of the term, its not the use! ] Christians would also cross their fingers when hoping for luck avert bad luck in Reference...