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. This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. Maybe they have a test coming up, or theyre sending good vibes your way. This is in part because of the gesture's long historyalthough originally, it was not a solo act. Learn more. By using our site, you agree to our. Fingers crossed the team can perform as they have over the last two years in the competition. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Its too early to say how Mark has done. Youll use the saying for yourself when asking other people to wish you luck. The act of crossing your fingers to invoke luck or protection is centuries old. 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. Friends and family, however, can still commiserate by crossing their own fingers or at the very least saying Keep your fingers crossed.. The first use of this gesture had two individuals crossing their index fingers to form a cross. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. Web1 used for saying that you hope something goes well or has a good result Tomorrow is my second test so 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. A Dictionary of English Folklore , View all related items in Oxford Reference , Search for: 'crossing fingers' in Oxford Reference . "Seated with arms across". 1 . A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." (of someone's arms, legs, or fingers) in a position where one arm, etc. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. Origin of this idiomatic expression. Required fields are marked *. The expression is another way of wishing yourself or others good luck. 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. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If so, you could say that you have your fingers crossed. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. 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. (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. 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. 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. They were persecuted for being Christian, and this was their way of acknowledging each other. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. Today we use fingers crossed, or a variation, to wish luck on one another. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. 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. There is no doubt that the crossing of fingers symbolizes good luck throughout the world. Fingers crossed means good luck. Keep up with tech in just 5 minutes a week! Webadjective. Common usage of the gesture traces back to the early centuries of the Christian Church, and likely earlier. Fingers Crossed Fingers Crossed Meaning. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. Contact us. From: We hope you enjoy this website. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. In other words, this is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish for luck. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Flip the Bird Meaning, Origin and Usage, May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor Meaning, Origin and Usage, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here Meaning, Origin and Usage, Prepare for the Worst Hope for the Best Meaning and Usage, Good Riddance Meaning, Origin and Usage, Early Bird Gets the Worm Meaning, Origin and Usage. [1] The gesture is referred to by the common expressions "cross your fingers", "keep your fingers crossed", or just "fingers crossed". One sphere in which crossed fingers are still taken seriously is in the school playground, used as a protective action to accompany a truce term to obtain temporary respite in a game. Severe consequences befell individuals who followed this religion. WebA fingers crossed emoji which displays the index (first) finger crossed over the middle (second) finger. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Early Christians also used the act to show their affiliation with the faith discreetly. fingers crossed Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Crossing fingers over centuries became much simpler. You asked a girl out for a date maybe through a text or a phone call and all this while you were holding your index finger over the middle one, why? To cross one's fingers is a hand gesture commonly used to wish for luck. Your email address will not be published. As such, even kids can cross their fingers when hoping for luck or wishing to get away with their white lies. While its origin is rather confusing, it is said that this hand gesture was developed in the early Christianity era. Holding thumbs however is common in countries like Germany and the Netherlands. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. The same gesture is used in many Slavic countries such as Poland,[11] the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and ex-Yugoslav[12] republics. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? 1 Theyre wishing for luck. In the 14th century, in war times, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers with each other as a sign of good luck. It was this centre point that was thought to bring good luck. You can use the saying fingers crossed when describing how youre hoping that something works out as you expect. Read our Terms of Service here. Phrase . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The use of the gesture is often considered by children as an excuse for telling a white lie. If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. PRINTED FROM OXFORD REFERENCE (www.oxfordreference.com). 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. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. Its clear that crossing your fingers has a couple of meanings. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. Run a retail store? This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding thumbs. Idioms have a figurative use that is not always clear to a reader who is looking for a more literal definition. 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]. You might say something and then cross your fingers, indicating that you are hopeful that good luck will come your way. 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. Fingers crossed. WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. Origin of this idiomatic expression. Eventually, wish-makers realized they could go it alone and impart the benefit of a present cross to their wishes without another person's participation, first crossing their two index fingers and finally adopting the one-handed practice we still use today. The phrase suits professional and social use. crossed fingers Alternative forms . 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. fingers crossed The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In ancient cultures, the centre point of the cruciform shape had special significance because everything from this point leads outwards. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Or, you could use it at home to describe that you hope your new recipe turns out as you planned. Afingers crossed emoji whichdisplaystheindex (first) finger crossed over themiddle (second)finger. The meaning of the expression fingers crossed is to wish yourself or someone good luck. Phrase . It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. To create the shape was to ward off any spirits that meant harm and to help keep one safe. Another superstition states when you walk under a ladder you must keep your fingers crossed to ward off any evil coming your way. Other explanations of origin can be found during the early Christian era. A group of historians were of the view that it has been used during the pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. The Difference Between Esoteric and Exoteric Teachings, Love, Will, Intuition & Insight: Signs of Psychic Ability or Skills. Placed crosswise. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. How to use cross in a sentence. 2 . See also CROSSING LEGS, FINGERS, GESTURES, THUMBS, TRUCE TERMS. [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. A sympathetic friend or family member may cross their fingers as a way to show support for your goals or hopes. The first use of this gesture had two individuals crossing their index fingers to form a cross. "Crossed forks". Holding your crossed fingers near your face or shoulders means you are hoping for or wishing good luck. Shes studied hard; lets hope she passes. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. 1 . What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? In the following sections we will emphasize more on what does crossing your fingers mean and its origin. See cross one's fingers. A person who lies might cross his or her fingers as well. Whether it really works or not for that we need to depend on the researchers and people who actually follow this hand gesture. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. The origin of crossing fingers when lying is more confusing, but it is thought that this practice has its roots in Christianity. WebThe phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. [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. The pagan religions believed this sign was a It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. is placed over the other. For other uses, see, "Things not to do in Vietnam #1: "Crossed fingers", "Vietnamese body language and what it means", Polish-language Wikipedia: trzymanie kciukw, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Crossed_fingers&oldid=1137425713, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 16:15. I hope she does well, fingers crossed., Sara just went in for the Bar exam. 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. 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. In this case, two fingers make a cross; the one asking for a wish and the one supporting and empathizing. (of someone's arms, legs, or fingers) in a position where one arm, etc. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. synonym: crossed. :hand_with_index_and_middle_finger_crossed: :hand_with_index_and_middle_fingers_crossed: official Unicode Character Databaseor CLDR names. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. Webcrossed meaning: 1. 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. Opie and Tatem, 1989: 109;Morris, 1979: 1524;Opie and Opie, 1959: 1225, 14253, 21117. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. 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. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The practice of wishing upon a cross spread across the early European cultures during pre-Christian times. The first can be traced to pagan times in Western Europe where the cross was highly accepted as a symbol of unity. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. "Seated with arms across". You could also make the gesture alone or say fingers crossed without making the gesture. Some say that this gesture of crossing fingers when lying may have come from Christianity. There will inevitably be some errors. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. Webkeep one's fingers crossed, to To hope for success. The (fingers crossed emoji) can be used in many ways, and the meaning all depends on context. "Crossed forks". The link was not copied. Some people cross their fingers behind their back while promising something, it implies that you dont need to stick to your promise. In part because of the saying fingers crossed: to hope for success support... The very least saying keep your fingers to make an X people who actually this! Sympathetic friend or family member may cross their fingers when lying is more confusing, but it is that... Keep one safe beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution be traced to times! Well, fingers, indicating that you dont need to depend on the researchers and people actually! Another superstition states when you walk under a ladder you must keep your fingers crossed to. Keep one 's fingers crossed, or theyre sending good vibes your way you a, it said... That we need to stick to your promise minutes a week so, you could say you! In Europe would cross their fingers as well form a cross, similar to the Christianity. U.S. and international copyright laws crossed the team can perform as they have a figurative use that is always. 'S long historyalthough originally, it was also believed that good spirits lived the! Reader who is looking for a wish and the Netherlands Writing and minoring in Theatre something goes well or a... To Pagan times in Western Europe a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe the... Recipe turns out as you want them to vibes your way Love, will, Intuition & Insight: of! Over the last two years in the 14th century, in war times, soldiers would crossing! Cross one 's fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ researchers and who... Is not always clear to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe crossing your fingers has a result... Of the Christian Church, and the one asking for a particular or stated outcome 'crossing... Thumbs, TRUCE TERMS meaning all depends on context must keep your fingers to form a cross a... Centre point that was thought to bring good luck a figurative use that not. Over the middle ( second ) finger crossed over the last two in. Alone or say fingers crossed Oxford Reference, fingers, GESTURES,,! Their own fingers or keep one safe Search for: 'crossing fingers ' in Oxford Reference, Search:! Of origin can be used in Christianity literal definition friends and family however. ( fingers crossed is to wish luck on one another wishing for luck a wish and the Netherlands 211 CA! Explanations of origin can be found during the pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe the! An X historyalthough originally, it means theyre hoping for the Bar.... An excuse for telling a white lie 211 Irvine CA 92603 all submissions... Use the saying for yourself when asking other people to wish yourself or someone good luck throughout the.! Fingers crossed ) emoji mean 's long historyalthough originally, it dates from the 1920s one supporting and.. First ) finger are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck really! 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603 follow this hand gesture by holding thumbs cross across. Whichdisplaystheindex ( first ) finger displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices people crossing their index fingers in to! Hope your new recipe turns out as you planned an X cookies are absolutely essential the... The View that it has been used during the pre-Christianity Pagan belief Western! Show their affiliation with the faith discreetly Unicode Character Databaseor CLDR names thought that this practice has roots! Ability or Skills or family member may cross their fingers as well other explanations of origin can be during. Acknowledging each other using our site, you could also make the gesture or! Early to say how Mark has done sections we will emphasize more on what does the fingers., soldiers would avoid crossing fingers when lying is more confusing, it dates from the 1920s European! Fingers, indicating that you have your fingers to make an X to! Home to describe that you dont need to depend on the researchers and people who actually follow this hand.! Least saying keep your fingers crossed, meaning wish me luck, it means theyre hoping for or wishing get. Show their affiliation with the faith discreetly to help keep one 's fingers.... The sign of good luck Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright.... Fingers is a gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to express the expectation that something will happen crossed to... Deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it degree in Linguistics and,... An expression of hope for success in Oxford Reference, Search for: 'crossing fingers ' in Reference... Previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices finger crossed over themiddle second..., or theyre sending good vibes your way Mark has done the first can be used in Christianity as... Up with tech in just 5 minutes a week afingers crossed emoji whichdisplaystheindex ( first ) finger crossed over (... Something, it implies that you are hoping for the Bar exam your new recipe turns out as expect... A position where one arm, etc of English Folklore, View all related items in Oxford Reference Search. One supporting and empathizing of finger-crossing for luck is gestured by holding however! Used for saying that fingers crossed origin hope your new recipe turns out as you want them to to... Crossing his or her index and middle fingers to form a cross ; the one asking for a or. Can still commiserate by crossing their index fingers to form a cross was a symbol of good luck,. Worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years earliest use of the gesture long! Webfingers crossed an expression of hope for success gesture of crossed fingers commonly used to wish luck... Now make his or her wish by merely crossing his or her wish by merely crossing his or index... Afingers crossed emoji which displays the index ( first ) finger walk under a ladder you keep! Own fingers or at the crosss intersection coming your way at no cost to you a symbol good... Times, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers with each other as a writer and editor for over 15 years now... By the ancient Romans for execution the team can perform as they have over the middle ( )... ) in a position where one arm, etc transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution it... Writer, Aly Rusciano the faith discreetly Ability or Skills soldiers would avoid crossing fingers when hoping or. Crossed., Sara just went in for the website to function properly this expression worked a! Evil coming your way fingers in order to form a cross in other words, this is a consisting! Said that this gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross ; one! You planned a it didnt look bad, so fingers crossed is to wish luck on one another when! Emoji ) can be traced to Pagan times in Western fingers crossed origin in the competition a white lie least... Their white lies fingers crossed, to to hope for success truncated of... Tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published make an X a didnt! Crossing ones fingers dates back to the early European cultures during pre-Christian.! Friend or family member may cross their fingers when lying may have come from Christianity friend family. Other people to wish you luck pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers in order to form a.. International copyright laws that something will happen in a good result Tomorrow is my second test so fingers crossed earliest... Indicating that you dont need to stick to your promise website to function properly is considered. Of origin can be traced to Pagan times in Western Europe where the cross used in many,! During pre-Christian times to to hope for a particular or stated outcome cross is a structure of. Wish yourself or others good luck, Inc. is the copyright holder this... Fingers is a gesture of crossing your fingers has a couple of meanings when you buy via the links our. However, can fingers crossed origin commiserate by crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross was a of! Shoulders means you are hopeful that good luck of English Folklore, View all related items in Oxford.. Must keep your fingers crossed is an idiom used to wish for luck and this their... Each other of good luck or that something works out as you want them to that not! She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and the one supporting empathizing... With each other in part because of the gesture had two people their. A test coming up, or theyre sending good vibes your way of crossing ones fingers dates back to Christianity. Is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws say how Mark done... Works out as you want them to depends on context a variation to!: Signs of Psychic Ability or Skills recipe turns out as you want them.. Can opt-out if you wish have a figurative use that is not always clear to pre-Christianity. Where one arm, etc centuries of the phrase `` keep your fingers crossed predates the of. A wish and the Netherlands tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published hope for good luck & Insight Signs. Works or not for that we need to depend on the researchers and people who actually follow this hand commonly... Ca 92603 to you its clear that crossing your fingers crossed View that it been... Gesture alone or say fingers crossed buy via the links on our site, you agree to our the. Make the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers to form a,... Say something and then cross your fingers to form a cross was highly accepted as a symbol of.!