Idiom A2 Informal

Keep your fingers crossed

To hope for a positive outcome; to wish for good luck

Meaning

Keep your fingers crossed — To hope for a positive outcome; to wish for good luck. Often said to encourage someone before a difficult or uncertain situation.

Origin & History

The phrase comes from a medieval superstition in which crossing one's fingers was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Some historians link the gesture to early Christian symbolism, where the cross shape represented divine protection and was thought to attract positive forces.

Over centuries the superstition faded but the gesture and phrase remained in everyday speech, becoming a universal way to express hope or wish someone well before an uncertain event.

Example Sentences

ContextSentence
Exam resultsI'm keeping my fingers crossed that I passed the exam.
Job interviewShe has her interview tomorrow — keep your fingers crossed for her!
Sports matchKeep your fingers crossed — the game starts in ten minutes.
Medical resultsWe're all keeping our fingers crossed that the test comes back negative.
Travel plansFingers crossed the flight isn't delayed again.
Business pitchThey submitted the proposal this morning, so fingers crossed the client says yes.

How to Use It

Informal. Very common in everyday spoken English and casual writing. You can use it to wish yourself luck ("I'm keeping my fingers crossed") or to ask others to hope on your behalf ("Keep your fingers crossed for me"). The short form "Fingers crossed!" is also widely used on its own.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

I cross my fingers crossed that it works.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works. — Don't mix 'cross' and 'crossed' together.

Keep your fingers cross for me.

Keep your fingers crossed for me. — The past participle 'crossed' is required, not 'cross'.

I keep my finger crossed.

I keep my fingers crossed. — Always use the plural 'fingers', not the singular 'finger'.

Similar Idioms

Touch wood Knock on wood Hope for the best Wish me luck All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Keep your fingers crossed" mean?
"Keep your fingers crossed" means to hope for a positive outcome or to wish for good luck. People say it when they want something to go well and are waiting anxiously for the result.
Where does the idiom "Keep your fingers crossed" come from?
The phrase comes from a medieval superstition in which crossing one's fingers was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Some historians link it to early Christian symbolism, where the cross shape represented divine protection. The gesture later became a casual way to wish for good luck.
Can you give an example of "Keep your fingers crossed" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "I have my job interview tomorrow — keep your fingers crossed for me!" — used when asking someone to wish you luck.
Is "Keep your fingers crossed" formal or informal?
Informal. It is very common in everyday spoken English and casual written messages such as texts or emails to friends. It is not suitable for formal business or academic writing.
What CEFR level is "Keep your fingers crossed"?
This idiom is typically introduced at A2 level. It is one of the most common and easy-to-understand English idioms, making it ideal for elementary learners.
What are common mistakes with "Keep your fingers crossed"?
A common mistake is saying 'cross your fingers crossed', which repeats the idea. The correct forms are 'keep your fingers crossed' or simply 'cross your fingers'. Another mistake is using the singular 'finger' instead of the plural 'fingers'.
What idioms are similar to "Keep your fingers crossed"?
Similar idioms and expressions include: Touch wood (British English), Knock on wood (American English), Hope for the best, Wish me luck. These all express a hope for a good outcome.
How do I practise idioms like "Keep your fingers crossed"?
LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in everyday conversations, TV shows, and podcasts.
Can "Keep your fingers crossed" be used in writing?
Yes, but only in informal writing such as text messages, casual emails, or social media posts. It is not appropriate for formal reports, academic essays, or professional correspondence. Stick to plain language in those contexts.
Does "Keep your fingers crossed" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Keep your fingers crossed" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: to hope for a good outcome. The physical gesture of crossing the index and middle fingers is also the same in both cultures.