Touch wood Meaning in English
expression
ˈtətʃ/ /ˈwʊd
TUCH wood
tˈʌtʃ/ /wˈʊd
TUCH wood
Definition
Used when you want to prevent bad luck after mentioning something good or something you hope will continue. People often say it while physically touching wood.
Usage & Nuances
Common in British and Irish English. In American English, 'knock on wood' is used instead. Often said out loud after describing something positive. Not a formal expression; used in superstitious or casual contexts.
Spanish: tocar maderaPortuguese (BR): bater na madeiraPortuguese (PT): bater na madeiraChinese (Simplified): 说曹操，曹操到 (祈求好运时用) - 摸木头Chinese (Traditional): 說曹操，曹操到 (祈求好運時用) - 摸木頭Hindi: काठ छूनाArabic: دق على الخشبBengali: কাঠ ছুঁই - কাঠি ছুঁইRussian: постучать по деревуJapanese: げんを担いで木に触れる - 木を叩くVietnamese: gõ vào gỗKorean: 나무를 두드리다Turkish: tahtaya vurmakUrdu: لکڑی چھونا - لکڑی پر دستک دیناIndonesian: ketuk kayu
Example Sentences
I hope it doesn't rain on our picnic, touch wood.
basic
So far, nobody in the family is sick, touch wood.
basic
The car hasn't broken down this year, touch wood.
basic
My phone has never crashed—touch wood!
natural
Business is good these days, touch wood, so I hope it stays that way.
natural
He hasn't lost his keys all month—touch wood!
natural