Definition
Hopefully; said while touching something wooden, to avert superstitious bad luck from what has just been said.
Origins
From a folk practice of unclear origin.
In Context
- "And the reds are going to avoid relegation this year, touch wood."
- "If it′s ever me (Jesus Christ, touch wood!), I don′t want you bringing me flowers."
- "The English press has been very good to me, touch wood."
- "I know I have my faults and one of them is my impatience and I also cannot tolerate people who are ill, mainly because I am so very rarely ill—“Touch wood,” I said out loud and touched my head at the same time."
Also Said As
See Also
- apotropaism