How to Pronounce "knock on wood"
expression
NAHK-awn-WUHD
NOK-on-WUHD
Definition
People say this phrase (and sometimes tap on wood) to avoid bad luck after mentioning something hopeful or positive, as a way to keep those hopes safe.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈnɑk/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈwʊd
British English
nˈɒk/ /ˈɒn/ /wˈʊd
Simplified Pronunciation
US
NAHK-awn-WUHD
UK
NOK-on-WUHD
Listen in Context
I haven't been sick all year, knock on wood.
The weather looks good for our trip, knock on wood.
My car has never broken down, knock on wood.
The baby finally slept through the night—knock on wood it happens again!