good luck Archives - Diana Derringer

Knock on Wood

February 9, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 2 comments

How often have you heard people say, “Knock on wood”? When they do, they rap their knuckles on something made of wood.

Knock on wood is based on a superstition.

People want something good to happen or continue. If they mention it, they fear they jinx it.

Therefore, they knock on wood for good luck. Ancient superstition taught that knocking on or touching wood wards off evil spirits.

Touch wood is a similar expression.

According to Phrase Finder, that version is more common in the UK. People sometimes jokingly tap their heads rather than wood. The British version is older than the American one.

Knock on wood expresses hope that good luck continues and bad luck stays away.

Good versus bad health
Calm versus stormy weather
Positive versus negative relationships
Success versus failure

People frequently use this expression for laughs.

They don’t believe the superstition. However, they have fun with the saying.

Enjoy fun expressions but put your faith in God.

Superstitions mislead you. God will never take you the wrong way.

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray” (1 John 3:7 NIV).

Thanks to Janna Babak for the suggestion and to Allie Kowle for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.

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No one wants to break a leg or any other body part. Just ask our worship pastor. He has spent months in pain from a broken foot. His injuries have required surgeries, casts, boots, and a wheelchair. He has also endured a walker, cane, crutches, and numerous therapy sessions.

With that in mind, why do people tell others to break a leg? The expression sounds cruel.

Break a leg means to wish people good luck.

It offers encouragement, especially to performers on opening night. The speaker hopes the actors bring down the house.

Some believe wishing actors good luck causes bad luck. Therefore, they say the opposite of what they mean. The Phrase Finder offers several possible origins for this superstition.

Although they understand the idiom, some people choose not to use it.

Not everyone understands the meaning, so it could result in hurt feelings. However, others use the expression as a fun tradition. If necessary, they explain what they mean.

Prayer offers a better alternative.

Whether a person says to break a leg or not, prayer remains the greatest gift. Prayer does not rely on superstition. It also removes the need for worry. As my friend Marian Woosley often said, “Why worry when we can pray?” True for actors. True for everyone.

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony” (Psalm 6:2 NIV).

Thanks to Candyce Carden for the suggestion and to Katherine Bonds for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.