THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Touch wood
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A saying used when hoping that good luck will continue or that something will go well.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The printer has worked perfectly all week, touch wood.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The printer has worked perfectly all week, ________.
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Touch wood — A saying used when hoping that good luck will continue or that something will go well.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Touch wood” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
A saying used when hoping that good luck will continue or that something will go well.
Compare: The printer has worked perfectly all week, touch wood.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal British expression after mentioning good fortune or a hopeful plan. People may say it playfully, and some touch something wooden as a customary gesture.
More examples in context
- We should have everyone’s forms by Friday, touch wood.
- “No travel delays so far, touch wood,” she said.
Usage note
The usual American expression is “knock on wood”. It expresses a hope about luck; it is not a factual claim that a gesture controls what happens.
A short conversation
A: Has the rehearsal gone smoothly?
B: Yes, touch wood. We haven’t had any equipment problems.
A: Let’s still check everything before the performance.
One more practice question
Why might someone add “touch wood” after saying a plan is going well?
A. To guarantee that no problem can possibly occur.
B. To express hope that their good fortune continues.
Check your answer
B. The saying conveys a hope about luck, not a guarantee.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.