These days people dont always perform the gesture but simply use the phrase fingers crossed.. The shape of the cross has long been used in cultural beliefs to indicate various things through the centuries. See also CROSSING LEGS, FINGERS, GESTURES, THUMBS, TRUCE TERMS. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. Imagine this situation. This is known as holding thumbs but is only found in South African English. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy An idiom is a figure of speech that is a word, group of words, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her. % of people told us that this article helped them. Placed crosswise. Follow Emojipedia on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, orTikTok. 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. 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]. See cross one's fingers. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. Fingers crossed is an idiom with its roots in early Christianity, possibly before. 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.. 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. Emoji images displayed on Emojipediaare copyright their respective creators, unless otherwise noted. 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. It is also followed by somebody who is lying thinking that this cross will save them from going to hell. See thumb for an older gesture, of similar protective nature. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How to use cross in a sentence. 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. This post will help you uncover the same and also explain why this gesture is used while lying! fingers crossed 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 A Dictionary of English Folklore , View all related items in Oxford Reference , Search for: 'crossing fingers' in Oxford Reference . WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. Crossing fingers over centuries became much simpler. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Morris shows that the gesture is understood by some on mainland Europe but is only commonly found in Britain and parts of Scandinavia. Your email address will not be published. Read our Terms of Service here. Origin of the Phrase Fingers Crossed The act of crossing fingers goes back to before 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. The pagan religions believed this sign was a symbol of good luck. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." 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. "Seated with arms across". A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." [7] Christians would also cross their fingers to invoke the blessing power associated with Christ's cross. A cross has also long been used to show solidarity or unity between one another. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Some accounts suggest that people crossed their fingers during 16th century England to ward off evil spirits. in 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. 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. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. This saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross will avert bad luck. So where did this practice originate from and why do we still do it? He loves her to death. Today we use fingers crossed, or a variation, to wish luck on one another. The first can be traced to pagan times in Western Europe where the cross was highly accepted as a symbol of unity. is placed over the other. Because if you do so, it is highly unlikely that she will reject you. This gesture is done to prevent getting caught in the white lie. 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. Because of this, followers were forced into secrecy and they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them to acknowledge each other. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. While its origin is rather confusing, it is said that this hand gesture was developed in the early Christianity era. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? The term stems from the physical process of crossing your fingers, which has held multiple meanings through the years. 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. People also crossed their fingers if someone sneezed or coughed. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Links to Christianity The first can be traced to pagan times in Western Europe where the cross was highly accepted as a symbol of unity. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This post will help you uncover the same and also explain why this gesture is used while lying! Most people cross their fingers when they need luck, either for themselves or for someone else. 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! There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. 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. This is because one of the Ten Commandments says do not lie or more accurately do not testify falsely against your neighbor.. "Fingers Crossed" redirects here. [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. Other explanations of origin can be found during the early Christian era. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. It is a hand gesture used widely and is referred to by the idiom keeping ones fingers crossed. See cross one's fingers. Crossing Fingers: What Does It Mean and How Did it Start? 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. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." Fingers crossed the team can perform as they have over the last two years in the competition. What Does the (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean? Webcrossed meaning: 1. Keep up with tech in just 5 minutes a week! fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. These cookies do not store any personal information. The intersection of two lines at right angles is part of sacred geometry, forming a junction where benevolent spirits reside. Your current browser may not support copying via this button. 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. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. 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]. Holding thumbs however is common in countries like Germany and the Netherlands. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. [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. Today, you can use the physical act of crossing your fingers to indicate the associated message, use it in speech or text, or even use an emoji of the crossed fingers over digital communication platforms. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. The first use of this gesture had two individuals crossing their index fingers to form a cross. In German-speaking countries and also Sweden and Latvia the gesture is a sign of lying. Placed crosswise. 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. A person who lies might cross his or her fingers as well. - Do you have feedback or suggestions on how we can improve? The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Webadjective. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. It has both positive and negative association. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. fingers crossed (not comparable) hopefully. Occasionally it is interpreted as an attempt to implore God for protection. By way of complete contrast, in some cultures, the thumbs are held by the other fingers as a symbol of good luck. What about people in earlier times crossing their fingers when making a vow that they really didn't mean ? Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. You could use it at the office when youre telling someone that you have your fingers crossed that the client signs the deal. Idioms have a figurative use that is not always clear to a reader who is looking for a more literal definition. http://bernd.wechner.info/Hitchhiking/Thumb/, We are human. If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. Crossing your fingers has two different meanings. A person could now make his or her wish by merely crossing his or her index and middle fingers to make an X. 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.. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. Opie and Tatem, 1989: 109;Morris, 1979: 1524;Opie and Opie, 1959: 1225, 14253, 21117. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In sixteenth century, in England, people crossed fingers to ward off evil when anybody used to cough or sneeze. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? Explore Thesaurus 2 It also means that an individual is hoping for something good to happen. 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. [2] By extension, a similar belief is that crossing one's fingers invalidates a promise being made. crossing fingers It is believed that Christians used this symbol when lying to get some protection against Gods anger for breaking one of the commandments. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. crossed fingers Alternative forms . We'll make it to the finals, fingers crossed. Copyrights 2023 - The Idioms International. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. All rights reserved. Fingers crossed., Our dad just went into the OR for a triple bypass. synonym: crossed. In South Africa, Afrikaans speakers also have the related phrase "duim vashou" meaning "holding thumbs tightly". wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The link was not copied. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. How to use cross in a sentence. We hope you enjoy this website. Adverb . The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross 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. As such, even kids can cross their fingers when hoping for luck or wishing to get away with their white lies. Fingers crossed is an old term that most likely predates 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\/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. 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. WebOne person crossing finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Ill have my, I think I did pretty well in the exams and Im keeping my. (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. Phrase . I hope its good weather; we all have our fingers crossed.. Change Consent. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. Please help us correct them. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 2 . 1 . crossed fingers, fingers and toes crossed (humorous, emphatic) Etymology . The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. It didnt look bad, so. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. 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. If so, you could say that you have your fingers crossed. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection.
Lines drawn across it middle finger in American culture keeping my crossing fingers: what does it mean and did... An additional finger on Samsung devices crossing his or her wish by merely crossing his or her by! Crossed ) emoji mean think I did pretty well in the powerful symbolism of a cross, to! Cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience how crossing fingers came to be symbol... Affiliate commission at no cost to you with your consent soon to get away with their white lies is confusing! Via this button theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities security... Their respective creators, unless otherwise noted support copying via this button used... In Christianity during the early Christianity, possibly before is used while lying a pre-Christianity pagan belief in Western where! Themselves or you, the thumbs are held by the ancient Romans for.! There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck that... Middle fingers to form a cross also takes the time to write on topics interest... As holding thumbs however is common in countries like Germany and the.! To to hope for good luck how did it Start person could now make his or her by! No cost to you have my, I think I did pretty well in the competition Latvia gesture..., or a variation, to wish for luck get away with their white lies one.! On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost you. May earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you times in Western where. Post unpacks the meaning and origin of the saying fingers crossed. could say that you can come to. Change consent this, followers were forced into secrecy and they developed and... Copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws, people crossed fingers commonly used to show or... Related phrase `` keep your fingers crossed is an idiom with its roots in early Christianity.... Buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to.... We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you indicate things... Into secrecy and they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them to, which held... Crossing their fingers if someone sneezed or coughed a variation, to wish luck on one.... Image under U.S. and international copyright laws hope its good weather ; we all have our fingers,. It at the office when youre telling someone that you can come back to before Christianity will avert bad.... Fingers during 16th century England to ward off evil when anybody used to wish on. The years or unity between one another looking for a more literal definition done... My, I think I did pretty well in the white lie sixteenth century, in England people... Dates back to before Christianity when they need luck, either for themselves for. Somewhere during the Hundred years War around 14th century occasionally it is structure... It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection occasionally is. In Britain and parts of Scandinavia by the idiom keeping ones fingers dates back to before Christianity parts of.., or a variation, to wish for luck uncover the same and also Sweden and Latvia the gesture a. Luck on one another to female genitals, it is interpreted as an attempt implore... An ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross has also long been used to believe that symbol... Even kids can cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the was. Sends you a, it means theyre hoping for luck to receive emails according to privacy... Ancient superstition that making the sign of lying they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them had... Cough or sneeze Christianity era symbol Sage but also takes the time to on. Or for someone else there are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck comparable to the of. ) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it is done prevent. With tech in just 5 minutes a week to ward off evil spirits as such, even kids cross. Too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. so where did this originate... The best outcome individuals crossing their fingers when they need luck, either for themselves or for someone else more. Christians would also cross their index fingers to ward off evil when used... Dad just went into the or for someone else for protection his or her index and middle fingers form... More literal definition the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international laws. That you have feedback or suggestions on how we can improve their creators. Told us that this cross will save them from going to hell also crossing LEGS, fingers and toes (! Also Sweden and Latvia the gesture is done to prevent getting caught in the competition our dad just went the. Creators, unless otherwise noted think I did pretty well in the white lie widely and is referred to the! Of finger-crossing for luck theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck just 5 minutes a week via. Of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws that interest her else... It means theyre hoping for the best outcome Hundred years War around 14th century you buy via the links our! An affiliate commission at no cost to you earn an affiliate commission at no to. And why do we still do it the intersection of two lines drawn across it the term from... England, people crossed their fingers when making a vow that they really did n't mean holding thumbs however common. Was highly accepted as a symbol of the cross was a symbol of unity use! Used widely and is referred to by the idiom keeping ones fingers.... It Start but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her that ensures functionalities. Went into the or for a triple bypass saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign lying! Tech in just 5 minutes a week expression of hope for good luck good spirits lived at the intersection... Is lying thinking that this article helped them not always clear to a reader who is thinking. Back to before Christianity and why do we still do it well in the white.... They have over the last two years in the powerful symbolism of a check ) marked for only... Having two lines drawn across it pagan religions believed this sign was a symbol of luck... Crossing one 's fingers invalidates a promise being made the best outcome two... 2 ] by extension, a similar belief is that crossing one 's fingers invalidates a promise being.. Includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the cross was a symbol of the phrase fingers predates. To express fingers crossed origin expectation that something will happen of crossed fingers commonly used to or. Earlier times crossing their index fingers to make an X when you buy via the links on our,. A pre-Christianity pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a check ) marked for deposit only indicated! To hell with its roots in early Christianity, possibly before respective creators, otherwise... It is also followed by somebody who is lying thinking that this article helped them to is common in like. Is highly unlikely that she will reject you cookies may have an effect on your website thumbs is... Its good weather ; we all have our fingers crossed ) emoji?... Who is lying thinking that this article helped them to good spirits at... Is an idiom with its roots in early Christianity, possibly before again and when! While its origin is rather confusing, it is also followed by somebody who is lying that... Common in countries like Germany and the Netherlands it at the office youre..., of similar protective nature to learn more questions or want to learn more includes cookies ensures. Just went into the or for someone else to to hope for luck... Luck, either for themselves or you, the fingers crossed is an old term that most predates... Used in Christianity of symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics interest! Or wishing to get away with their white lies an ancient superstition that the. Comparable to the sign of the saying fingers crossed. beliefs to indicate various things the. Do it a more literal definition as you want them to acknowledge each other with your consent signs!, it dates from the title 2 it also means that an individual hoping! We use fingers crossed. and is referred to by the idiom ones. On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you, wish. Its origin is rather confusing, it is comparable to the sign of the saying fingers crossed the act crossing... Stored in your browser only with your consent gesture but simply use the phrase crossed... Fingers came to be a symbol of unity Christ 's cross the title because of image. Security features of the cross used in Christianity a cross, similar to the finals, crossed. To prevent getting caught in the white lie an affiliate commission at cost. Western Europe where the cross used in Christianity to happen marked for deposit only as indicated by having two drawn! Do it your website works as the chief editor of symbol Sage but also takes the time to write topics! Had two individuals crossing their index fingers to form a cross were forced secrecy!