English

Verb

knock on wood ‎(third-person singular simple present knocks on wood, present participle knocking on wood, simple past and past participle knocked on wood)

1. (idiomatic, US) To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement.
2. (idiomatic, US) A self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.

   I do a lot of walking, and I have never had any knee problems yet, knock on wood.

See also

• touch wood (UK)

Translations