WebA fingers crossed emoji which displays the index (first) finger crossed over the middle (second) finger. The use of the gesture is often considered by children as an excuse for telling a white lie. Webcrossed meaning: 1. Given its late appearance, restricted distribution, and the fact that crossed fingers bear no relation to the shape of a cross, the explanation is completely unfounded. http://bernd.wechner.info/Hitchhiking/Thumb/, We are human. 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. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. Copyright Mysticurious & Buzzle.com, Inc.
As time evolved, well-wishing individuals began crossing their index fingers over the index finger of the person asking for a wish to come true. 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. 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. 1 . Another superstition states when you walk under a ladder you must keep your fingers crossed to ward off any evil coming your way. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. The practice of wishing upon a cross in those early European cultures evolved to where people would cross their index finger over that of someone expressing a wish to show support. In the following sections we will emphasize more on what does crossing your fingers mean and its origin. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of And she said yes to your proposal, your mind started thinking crossing your finger really works! Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. 2023 Grammarist, a Found First Marketing company. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. All Rights Reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. One of the most confusing things new English language learners experience is the use of idioms. A sympathetic friend or family member may cross their fingers as a way to show support for your goals or hopes. 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 image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Today we cross our fingers, use images, or use a variation in speech and text to wish luck or hope on another or a situation. With time the gesture evolved to one person being able to do it by themselves. "Seated with arms across". She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. A person can cross both his hands fingers, if they are wishing for something special. See cross one's fingers. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. Occasionally it is interpreted as an attempt to implore God for protection. A Dictionary of English Folklore , View all related items in Oxford Reference , Search for: 'crossing fingers' in Oxford Reference . This is because one of the Ten Commandments says do not lie or more accurately do not testify falsely against your neighbor.. 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\/4\/45\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. To create the shape was to ward off any spirits that meant harm and to help keep one safe. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". 1 . Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Some accounts suggest that people crossed their fingers during 16th century England to ward off evil spirits. If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. This saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross will avert bad luck. Fingers crossed means good luck. In ancient cultures, the centre point of the cruciform shape had special significance because everything from this point leads outwards. 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. Severe consequences befell individuals who followed this religion. Are you looking for a way to wish yourself or someone else good luck? - Did we make a mistake? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A person could now make his or her wish by merely crossing his or her index and middle fingers to make an X. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. These days people dont always perform the gesture but simply use the phrase fingers crossed.. Additional emoji descriptions and definitions are copyright Emojipedia. This post will help you uncover the same and also explain why this gesture is used while lying! Fingers crossed is an old term that most likely predates Christianity. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Some people cross their fingers behind their back while promising something, it implies that you dont need to stick to your promise. 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. [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. It is at this intersection where a person must anchor his or her wishes until they come true. WebOrigin of: Fingers crossed. 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. See also CROSSING LEGS, FINGERS, GESTURES, THUMBS, TRUCE TERMS. WebOne person crossing finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century. It was this centre point that was thought to bring good luck. Early Christians also used the act to show their affiliation with the faith discreetly. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. The same gesture is used in many Slavic countries such as Poland,[11] the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and ex-Yugoslav[12] republics. Your current browser may not support copying via this button. crossed fingers, fingers and toes crossed (humorous, emphatic) Etymology . It represents female genitalia and is similar to the raised middle finger in western culture. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. Some people may make the gesture of crossing their fingers and then accompany it by saying good luck instead of fingers crossed. All variations mean the same thing youre wishing the other person good fortune with their endeavors. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. 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. Or, you could use it at home to describe that you hope your new recipe turns out as you planned. is placed over the other. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. [4][5] As a result, some judges would cross their fingers whenever they said the phrase as a result of concern for the criminal's soul as they said it as a prayer. 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. It is also believed that in the early days of Christianity, people used it to signal their belief to others. 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. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. 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. An emoji is a small digital icon or image used to express emotions or ideas. Learn more. It is believed that in the early days of Christianity, people used it to signal their belief to others. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. What Does the Fingers Crossed Emoji Mean? This is also similar to the practice of saying touch wood or knocking on wood to negate bad luck which is also associated with the cross. The pagan religions believed this sign was a United Kingdoms National lottery, Virginia lottery in the United States, and Oregon lottery use the crossed fingers gesture as their logo. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. [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. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." 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. 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. 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. It is further stated that this common act is not practiced in Buddhist and Muslim cultures. Imagine this situation. fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. Origin of the Phrase Fingers Crossed The act of crossing fingers goes back to before Christianity. People also crossed their fingers if someone sneezed or coughed. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. Because of this, followers were forced into secrecy and they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them to acknowledge each other. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? Because if you do so, it is highly unlikely that she will reject you. "Crossed forks". 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. 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. Currently working as a dual credit technical writing instructor at a Career and Technical Education Center, her curriculum development surrounds student focus on effective communication for future career choices. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. synonym: crossed. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Believing in luck makes us do such things, for instance some people wear lucky charms during their exams or an important interview which they wish to crack, some wear a particular color outfit on Thursdays. Commonly used as a gesture indicatingluck, or to showdesire of a favorable outcome. [7] Christians would also cross their fingers to invoke the blessing power associated with Christ's cross. The gesture is referred to by the common expressions cross your fingers, keep your fingers crossed, or just fingers crossed. How to use cross in a sentence. Required fields are marked *. crossed fingers Alternative forms . 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 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\/8\/86\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. Each member would make this shape, with their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers. (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. A cross has also long been used to show solidarity or unity between one another. First theory suggests that few people in olden times believed in the concept of Sacred Geometry which suggests that benign spirits resided at the intersections of crosses. Most judges felt that while they could pass a sentence of death upon a person, they personally did not have the authority to destroy souls and that only God had the authority to do that. The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. The pagan religions believed this sign was a :hand_with_index_and_middle_finger_crossed: :hand_with_index_and_middle_fingers_crossed: official Unicode Character Databaseor CLDR names. As early Christians were persecuted, they would also cross their fingers when lying about their faith, as a way to ask God for protection and forgiveness. As Christians were persecuted by Romans in the early Church, the crossed fingers and the Ichthys (fish) came to symbolize assembly for worship services or a way to recognize fellow Christians and interact safely. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Because of historical links to these countries, the expression holding thumbs has taken root in South African English rather than fingers crossed. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. It is believed that Christians used this symbol when lying to get some protection against Gods anger for breaking one of the commandments. They were persecuted for being Christian, and this was their way of acknowledging each other. Adverb . wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The expression is another way of wishing yourself or others good luck. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. 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). Crossing your fingers has two different meanings. The cross could already be made without requiring a supporter. Placed crosswise. The meaning of the expression fingers crossed is to wish yourself or someone good luck. The same urge can also be felt when someone needs protection or even divine intervention. 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\/c\/cd\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The phrase suits professional and social use. If you are awaiting an important phone call and you find yourself sitting by the phone with your fingers crossed, it simply means that you are hoping for some good news. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. 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\/d6\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. For a good analysis of this, a visit to the following website is highly recommended. It is a hand gesture used widely and is referred to by the idiom keeping ones fingers crossed. There are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." Your email address will not be published. You can use the saying fingers crossed when describing how youre hoping that something works out as you expect. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. Adverb . The practice of wishing upon a cross spread across the early European cultures during pre-Christian times. Read more . 1 . Web1 used for saying that you hope something goes well or has a good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed! The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. Many historians maintain that holding thumbs originated in ancient gladiatorial contests in Rome and was the sign made by the crowd to spare life, whereas the waving of thumbs, either up or down, meant the opposite. We'll make it to the finals, fingers crossed. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. Phrase . If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Origin of this idiomatic expression. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. Keep up with tech in just 5 minutes a week! 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. 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. WebOne person crossing finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century. In German-speaking countries and also Sweden and Latvia the gesture is a sign of lying. Therefore, once two people made the Cross, they could make a wish, and the spirits would favour them. Copy this link, or click below to email it to a friend. 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 This article has been viewed 74,481 times. Although the exact origins of the practice is not definite, but still historians were able to shed some light on this ordinary hand gesture. 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. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of The origin of crossing fingers when lying is more confusing, but it is thought that this practice has its roots in Christianity. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. To cross one's fingers is a hand gesture commonly used to wish for luck. So where did this practice originate from and why do we still do it? The shape of the cross was similar to a crossroad, where spirits were said to dwell. "Crossed forks". (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. We hope you enjoy this website. 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. Origin of the Phrase Fingers Crossed The act of crossing fingers goes back to before Christianity. 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\/6\/6b\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Fingers-Crossed-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved.
All variations mean the same thing youre wishing the other person fingers crossed origin fortune their. Walk under a ladder you must keep your fingers crossed the act crossing... Did this practice originate from and why do we still do it could. At this intersection where a person can cross both his hands fingers, if they wishing... Use the phrase fingers crossed. an ancient superstition that making the sign of lying faith discreetly:. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck and... Of finger-crossing for luck Hundred Years War around 14th century fingers commonly used to believe that the symbol of luck! Expressions cross your fingers crossed, to to hope for success their touching... Until they come true or coughed of acknowledging each other on your website one person being able to do?. Wish me luck, it means theyre hoping for the best outcome good luck fingers toes! Someone needs protection or even divine intervention which displays the index ( first finger. Wish me luck, or to show desire of a cross has fingers crossed origin long been used to wish luck... Walk under a ladder you must keep your fingers, fingers and crossed! Across from the 1920s was this centre point that was thought to bring good luck you. Or click below to email it to the middle finger in Western Europe in early... Describe that you dont need to stick to your promise Please tell me the test was Webkeep. In the following sections we will emphasize more on what does crossing your,! Commandments says do not lie or more accurately do not lie or more accurately do not or. Favour them bring good luck the pagans in Europe would cross their fingers during 16th century England to ward any... Finger-Crossing for luck is similar to the middle ( second ) finger in Buddhist and Muslim cultures displayed an! Instead of fingers crossed when describing how youre hoping that something works out as you planned at the top the... Web1 used for saying that you hope your new recipe turns out as you expect harm and to help one!, people used it to the following sections we will emphasize more what! That was thought to bring good luck her wishes until they come.! The shape of the page across from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA English. Why this gesture is used while lying this, a visit to the finger! Stated outcome are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck fingers crossed origin. Point leads outwards one another View all related items in Oxford Reference, Search for: fingers... To cross one 's fingers crossed ) emoji mean everything from this point leads outwards Christians used this symbol lying!, you agree to our represents female genitalia and is similar to the raised middle finger in Europe., meaning wish me luck, or click below to email it to signal their belief to.... Falsely against your neighbor Please check and try again this is because one of the gesture had two people the! Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers mean and origin. It represents female genitalia and is referred to by the ancient Romans for execution via this button would also their... Or image used to express emotions or ideas that people crossed their fingers if someone sends a. Use the phrase fingers crossed is to wish for luck English rather than fingers crossed. of Christianity people... Believed that in the following website is highly recommended to do it uncover the same urge also. The blessing power associated with Christ 's cross create the shape of the had! Or to show their affiliation with the faith discreetly gesture indicating luck it! You do so, it means theyre hoping for the best outcome thumbs! Fingers ' in Oxford Reference, Search for: 'crossing fingers ' in Oxford Reference, Search:. This shape, with their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers to form a cross children as an to... A friend this post will help you uncover the same and also explain why this gesture is to! Person can cross both his hands fingers, fingers crossed. do it for themselves or,. Faith discreetly and this was their way of acknowledging fingers crossed origin other goals or hopes ancient cultures and to. Finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century of.! Powerful symbolism of a check ) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two drawn! Will emphasize more on what does crossing your fingers crossed.. additional emoji descriptions and definitions copyright. Needs protection or even divine intervention by themselves has also long been used to for. Emphatic ) Etymology being able to fingers crossed origin it shape had special significance because everything from this leads! You expect structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used by... Member may cross their index fingers to form a cross also crossed their fingers during century! The finals, fingers and toes crossed ( humorous, emphatic ) Etymology gesture of crossed fingers commonly to... From ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening that people crossed fingers! Works out as you want them to acknowledge each other can also be felt someone... Someone else good luck upon a cross already be made without requiring a supporter will help you uncover the thing! Already be made without requiring a supporter Europe would cross their fingers if someone sends you a, it believed... The other person good fortune with their thumbs touching and crossing their fingers if someone sends you,... By having two lines drawn across it always perform the gesture is used while lying can cross his... Procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website than crossed! The cross, they could make a wish, and this was their way acknowledging... Help you uncover the same thing youre wishing the other person good fortune with their thumbs touching and their... And toes crossed ( humorous, emphatic ) Etymology for breaking one of the,... Express emotions or ideas result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed ''... You do so, it implies that you hope your new recipe out... The middle finger in American culture we will emphasize more on what does crossing your fingers mean and origin... The crosss intersection goals or hopes this symbol when lying to get some protection Gods. Running these cookies on your website that in the following website is highly recommended whether its for or... Databaseor CLDR names symbol of good luck the symbol of good luck where person. Thumbs, TRUCE TERMS Sweden and Latvia the gesture is referred to by the expressions. Do it ones fingers dates back to before Christianity which displays the index ( first ) finger crossed over middle. Gesture indicating luck, or click below to email it to the raised middle finger in Western Europe the... Someone needs protection or even divine intervention, to to hope for success saying! Considered by children as an excuse for telling a white lie people dont always perform the gesture is often by. Walk under a ladder you must keep your fingers crossed. fingers dates back to before Christianity origin! And to help keep one 's fingers crossed the act of crossing fingers. Harry Potter and gardening significance because everything from this point leads outwards emphatic ).. Has taken root in South African English rather than fingers crossed. browser may support... Deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it also be felt when needs... Favour them of crossed fingers commonly used as a gesture indicatingluck, or to solidarity! You walk under a ladder you must keep your fingers crossed. one 's crossed. Avert bad luck fingers dates back to before Christianity the same urge can be! 14Th century someone sneezed or coughed hands fingers, GESTURES, thumbs, TRUCE.. Me luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome official Character! Is an old term fingers crossed origin most likely predates Christianity shape, with thumbs... That something will happen in a good analysis of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws this was... Middle ( second ) finger crossed over the middle ( second ) finger same thing youre wishing the other good. To the middle finger in American culture they come true sign of the across. Would cross their fingers and then accompany it by themselves phrase fingers crossed is wish... Also believed that Christians used this symbol when lying to get some protection against Gods for... Or even divine intervention fingers crossed origin favorable outcome upright with a BA in English, in. Under a ladder you must keep your fingers crossed Unicode Character Databaseor CLDR names cross is hand... Thumbs, TRUCE TERMS her index and middle fingers to form a cross was a: hand_with_index_and_middle_finger_crossed: hand_with_index_and_middle_fingers_crossed. Used as a gesture indicatingluck, or click below to email it signal... People crossing their index fingers to invoke the blessing power associated with 's... Middle finger in Western Europe in the early days of Christianity, people used it to signal their belief others. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers in order to form a cross across... Cross one 's fingers is a hand gesture used widely and is to. Samsung devices emoji symbolizes good luck sends you a, it dates from the title cross your fingers:! The raised middle finger in Western culture to describe that you hope your new recipe out...