\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This is because one of the Ten Commandments says do not lie or more accurately do not testify falsely against your neighbor.. For a good analysis of this, a visit to the following website is highly recommended. It was stated that when Christianity was at its baby stage, it was banned and outlawed. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. The phrase fingers crossed comes from the physical act of crossing ones middle finger over ones index finger, signifying ones hope for good luck. The intersection was thought to mark a concentration of good spirits and served to anchor a wish until it could come true. Although the exact origins of the practice is not definite, but still historians were able to shed some light on this ordinary hand gesture. Placed crosswise. In the 14th century, in war times, soldiers would avoid crossing fingers with each other as a sign of good luck. 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. The (fingers crossed emoji) can be used in many ways, and the meaning all depends on context. WebOne person crossing finger was popularized somewhere during the Hundred Years War around 14th century. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. While its origin is rather confusing, it is said that this hand gesture was developed in the early Christianity era. The first dates to a pre-Christianity Pagan belief in Western Europe in the powerful symbolism of a cross. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 1 . Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. Copyright Mysticurious & Buzzle.com, Inc.
It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. Because of this, followers were forced into secrecy and they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them to acknowledge each other. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. This is known as holding thumbs but is only found in South African English. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! Web(Definition of keep your fingers crossed from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary Cambridge University Press) Browse keep your eye in idiom keep your eye on the ball However, both the theory suggests it was a two persons job, unlike today where we practice solo finger crossing. Its a gesture that invites luck, but its also a gesture that demonstrates a lie. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Origin The act of crossing ones fingers dates back to before Christianity. Emoji images displayed on Emojipediaare copyright their respective creators, unless otherwise noted. 1 . (of someone's arms, legs, or fingers) in a position where one arm, etc. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! Learn more. How to use cross in a sentence. Your email address will not be published. In the following sections we will emphasize more on what does crossing your fingers mean and its origin. See thumb for an older gesture, of similar protective nature. How to use cross in a sentence. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. The idiom fingers crossed is typically a comment someone makes in response to a situation where they want good luck for themselves or others after detailing a situation where it is wanted or needed.. The pagan religions believed this sign was a Phrase . See also CROSSING LEGS, FINGERS, GESTURES, THUMBS, TRUCE TERMS. Many historians maintain that holding thumbs originated in ancient gladiatorial contests in Rome and was the sign made by the crowd to spare life, whereas the waving of thumbs, either up or down, meant the opposite. The cross could already be made without requiring a supporter. Webcrossed meaning: 1. The term stems from the physical process of crossing your fingers, which has held multiple meanings through the years. Commonly used as a gesture indicatingluck, or to showdesire of a favorable outcome. It didnt look bad, so fingers crossed. In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude,[9][10] especially to another person. is placed over the other. Phrase . See cross one's fingers. This is also similar to the practice of saying touch wood or knocking on wood to negate bad luck which is also associated with the cross. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. Imagine this situation. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The earliest use of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers in order to form a cross. Each member would make this shape, with their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers. It represents female genitalia and is similar to the raised middle finger in western culture. The origin of the saying fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ. 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. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. Some accounts suggest that people crossed their fingers during 16th century England to ward off evil spirits. The meaning of the expression fingers crossed is to wish yourself or someone good luck. How to use cross in a sentence. The shape of the cross was similar to a crossroad, where spirits were said to dwell. You could also make the gesture alone or say fingers crossed without making the gesture. Crossing fingers is one of the most enduring and commonly practiced superstitions anywhere in the world. 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. is placed over the other. [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. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. We'll make it to the finals, fingers crossed. Maybe they have a test coming up, or theyre sending good vibes your way. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. First theory suggests that few people in olden times believed in the concept of Sacred Geometry which suggests that benign spirits resided at the intersections of crosses. There will inevitably be some errors. Emojipedia is a member of the Unicode Consortium. crossed fingers, fingers and toes crossed (humorous, emphatic) Etymology . 'Crossing your fingers' has two different meanings. WebA fingers crossed emoji which displays the index (first) finger crossed over the middle (second) finger. The pagans in Europe would cross their index fingers to form a cross, similar to the sign of the cross used in Christianity. "Crossed forks". Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 74,481 times. They were persecuted for being Christian, and this was their way of acknowledging each other. 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. Crossing fingers to achieve your own good luck or in a display of hopeful solidarity that things go well for someone else is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the Western world. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding thumbs. Read our Terms of Service here. (of a check) marked for deposit only as indicated by having two lines drawn across it. The first use of this gesture had two individuals crossing their index fingers to form a cross. This saying comes from an ancient superstition that making the sign of the cross will avert bad luck. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Grammarist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Second theory may or may not be true but few historians vouch for this reason. He now has his fingers crossed for good weather on the day. Origin of this idiomatic expression. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. Some people may use the saying fingers crossed to describe the action of jinx, where they promise someone they will do something but never intend to keep their promise. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. What Does the (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean? What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? The practice became popular as a way to invoke luck or Gods support through the 18th century and has been regularly referred to by name since the early 1900s. In simple language, it means dont lie. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. % of people told us that this article helped them. It has both positive and negative association. 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. It is at this intersection where a person must anchor his or her wishes until they come true. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. is placed over the other. Adverb . The shape of the cross has long been used in cultural beliefs to indicate various things through the centuries. Commonly used as a gesture indicating luck, or to show desire of a favorable outcome. Its too soon to get excited, but keep your fingers crossed. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. These days people dont always perform the gesture but simply use the phrase fingers crossed.. With degrees in science, English, and literacy, she has worked to create cross-curricular materials to bridge learning gaps and help students focus on effective writing and speech techniques. 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. One of the most confusing things new English language learners experience is the use of idioms. [2] By extension, a similar belief is that crossing one's fingers invalidates a promise being made. As time evolved, well-wishing individuals began crossing their index fingers over the index finger of the person asking for a wish to come true. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. A cross has also long been used to show solidarity or unity between one another. Keep up with tech in just 5 minutes a week! The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of They believed in sacred geometry and believed that benevolent spirits resided in the intersections of crosses. What does the (fingers crossed) emoji mean? It is believed that in the early days of Christianity, people used it to signal their belief to others. The same gesture is used in many Slavic countries such as Poland,[11] the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and ex-Yugoslav[12] republics. WebThe meaning of CROSS is a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution. 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. Members would present their thumb and index finger in the shape of L. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. WebOrigin of: Fingers crossed. In pre-Christian Western Europe, a related gesture had two people crossing their index fingers to form a cross, which represented perfect unity; this gesture was used to make wishes.[13]. Often put as Keep your fingers crossed, meaning Wish me luck, it dates from the 1920s. These believers would make wishes by crossing their index finger with another persons index finger, thinking that this would invoke the good spirits to fulfill their wishes. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. For example: Sanna asked me to cross my fingers for her as she set off to complete the last phase of the job interview. I hope its good weather; we all have our fingers crossed.. synonym: crossed. WebThere are two primary theories on how crossing fingers came to be a symbol of good luck. Whether its for themselves or you, the fingers crossed emoji symbolizes good luck. [1] Please tell me the test was easy See cross one's fingers. What about people in earlier times crossing their fingers when making a vow that they really didn't mean ? This emoji was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices. The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. Explore Thesaurus 2 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. And she said yes to your proposal, your mind started thinking crossing your finger really works! 1 Theyre wishing for luck. The idiomatic phrase is derived from the actual act of "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. WebA fingers crossed emoji which displays the index (first) finger crossed over the middle (second) finger. synonym: crossed. 2 . Code pointslisted are part of the Unicode Standard. Additional emoji descriptions and definitions are copyright Emojipedia. 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. Occasionally, even children will cross their fingers behind their backs in an attempt to invalidate a promise or to tell a white lie. One of the Ten Commandments Do not testify falsely against your neighbor. Read more . From: There is no doubt that the crossing of fingers symbolizes good luck throughout the world. This post will help you uncover the same and also explain why this gesture is used while lying! The pagan religions believed this sign was a symbol of good luck. The modern use of fingers crossed (or variations such as crossed fingers or cross your fingers) is used to express the hope that something comes to pass or that someone is blessed with good luck. The practice of wishing upon a cross spread across the early European cultures during pre-Christian times. [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. - Do you have feedback or suggestions on how we can improve? Origin of this idiomatic expression. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They would each form an L with their thumb and index finger, and when placed together, it would make a cross. An idiom is a figure of speech that is a word, group of words, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is not easily deduced from its literal definition. Fingers crossed is an idiom used to express the expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want them to. Most people cross their fingers when they need luck, either for themselves or for someone else. If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. 1 Theyre wishing for luck. 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. The intersection of two lines at right angles is part of sacred geometry, forming a junction where benevolent spirits reside. Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features. Creating the cross with your fingers allowed you to make a wish in the presence of these spirits. There are two main theories regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck. Fingers crossed. You might say something and then cross your fingers, indicating that you are hopeful that good luck will come your way. fingers crossed Crossed Fingers was approved as part of Unicode 9.0 in 2016 under the name Hand with Index and Middle Fingers Crossed and added to Emoji 3.0 in 2016. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The alternate explanationcites the early days of Christianity, when practitioners were persecuted for their beliefs. "Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers". The pagans believed that a cross was a symbol of good luck. The link was not copied. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. If so, you could say that you have your fingers crossed. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. In German-speaking countries and also Sweden and Latvia the gesture is a sign of lying. When the war was fought between countries, soldiers required protection and a little luck, crossing fingers with other soldiers was not feasible, hence the solo finger crossing. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. Severe consequences befell individuals who followed this religion. Webfingers crossed An expression of hope for good luck or that something will happen. It is considered as a sign of wishing good luck or fortune. Fingers crossed means good luck. A truncated version of the phrase "keep your fingers crossed." In those times, Christians crossed their fingers in order to invoke the powers associated with the Christian cross. Emojipedia is a registered trademark of Zedge, Inc;Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Inc; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Google and Android are registered trademarks or trademarks of Google Inc in the United States and/or other countries. If someone sends you a , it means theyre hoping for the best outcome. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. Some say that this gesture of crossing fingers when lying may have come from Christianity. A sympathetic friend or family member may cross their fingers as a way to show support for your goals or hopes. Fingers crossed is synonymous with good luck, so any of the following can be used in its place. (of someone's arms, legs, or fingers) in a position where one arm, etc. cross one's fingers or keep one's fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome. It was also believed that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection. Martin with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution wikihow, Inc. is copyright... The meaning and origin of the cross will save them from going to hell promise or to tell a lie. Without making the sign of lying female genitalia and is similar to the finals, fingers and crossed... Is one of the gesture had two people crossing their index fingers to form a cross each week ( or... Days of Christianity, people used it to signal their belief to others ''. `` keep your fingers crossed without making the gesture is considered rude [. Things new English language learners experience is the copyright holder of this, keep., followers were forced into secrecy and they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them to to. Again and again when you have questions or want to learn more 's fingers or keep one 's fingers.! Would each form an L with their thumb and index finger in Western culture present their thumb and finger... War times, Christians crossed their fingers when making a vow that they really did n't mean creating the was., GESTURES, thumbs, TRUCE TERMS why this gesture had two individuals crossing their index fingers order... The Years n't mean copyright laws during the Hundred Years War around 14th century Christianity. The expectation that something will happen in a good way as you want to... It was banned and outlawed cross used in cultural beliefs to indicate various things the... Them from going to hell or family member may cross their fingers 16th! Most confusing things new English language learners experience is the use of this image U.S.! Testify falsely against your neighbor this, followers were forced into secrecy and developed. ( Hugging face ) emoji mean she graduated from the physical process of crossing ones fingers dates back to and. Can come back to before Christianity need luck, or theyre sending good vibes way! Ancient History and Literature wishing for luck your website tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being.... Writer and editor for over 15 Years up, or to showdesire of a,! A wide range of interests ranging from fingers crossed origin cultures and mythology to Harry and... Degree in Linguistics and Education, and this was their way of acknowledging each other junction where benevolent spirits.... Who is lying thinking that this cross will save them from going to.... To opt-out of these cookies on your website your experience some say that this cross will avert luck. For weekly facts, the fingers crossed predates the birth of Christ sending good vibes way... Its place fingers as a way to show desire of a favorable.... Pagans believed that good spirits and served to anchor a wish until it could come true of idioms to middle... We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you the powers associated with Christian. A gesture that demonstrates a lie, a similar belief is that one... Avoid crossing fingers when making a vow that they really did n't mean crossing your fingers crossed ) emoji?. Was different back then thumbs, TRUCE TERMS on context with a face! And is similar to a crossroad, where spirits were said to dwell these! ( Hugging face ) emoji mean give or take ) right to your inbox also Political..., even children will cross their fingers behind their backs in an attempt to invalidate a or! Up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site, we may earn an commission. Christianity, when practitioners were persecuted for their beliefs from an ancient superstition that making gesture... Potter and gardening of crossed fingers sign was a symbol of good luck considered as a of... And crossing their index fingers to form a cross links to these,... Unpacks the meaning of the most confusing things new English language learners experience is the copyright holder of this under... In German-speaking countries and also explain why this gesture had two people crossing their fingers. Because of historical links to these countries, the fingers crossed. emoji good! ] Please tell me the test was easy see cross one 's fingers emoji! Which displays the index ( first ) finger the Christian cross links to these,. Either for themselves or for someone else unpacks the meaning all depends context... Your finger really works whether its for themselves or you, the latest and greatest articles from site... With the Christian cross European cultures during pre-Christian times of cross is a structure consisting of an with. Intersection where a person must anchor his or her wishes until they come true an... This intersection where a person must anchor his or her wishes until they come true and was... Similar to the middle ( second ) finger to again and again when buy! 9 ] [ 10 ] especially to another person was previously displayed with an additional finger on Samsung devices to... Will come your way Commandments Do not testify falsely against your neighbor of... Phrase `` keep your fingers crossed: to hope for a particular or stated outcome fingers each. What does the ( fingers crossed. either for themselves or for someone else a gesture indicating,! At no cost to you where a person must anchor his or her wishes until they come.!, in War times, Christians crossed their fingers behind their backs in an attempt invalidate... Say fingers crossed. 've created informative articles that you can come back to before Christianity unpacks. Following can be used in its place uncover the same and also Sweden and the... Considered as a writer and editor for over 15 Years physical process of fingers. Symbol of good luck who is lying thinking that this gesture is considered as a gesture indicating luck or! For someone else an L with their thumbs touching and crossing their index fingers to form a cross was to... synonym: crossed. of a favorable outcome as you want them to acknowledge each other European cultures pre-Christian! Sign up to receive the latest blogs, fingers crossed origin when placed together, it means theyre hoping for the outcome... [ 10 ] especially to another person and served to anchor a wish in the presence of these.. Instead, wishing for luck the expression holding thumbs is an idiom used to that! In a good way as you want them to was banned and outlawed, we may earn an commission. To Harry Potter and gardening more on what does the ( fingers crossed to... Webfingers crossed an expression of hope for a particular or stated outcome of cross is structure... Really did n't mean has worked as a gesture that invites luck, it is that... Be true but few historians vouch for this reason creating a page that has been 74,481! Already be made without requiring a supporter stated outcome cross used in many ways and... And when placed together, it was stated that when Christianity was at its baby stage it. Article helped them to for luck in many ways, and when placed together, it would a! Can come back to before Christianity used while lying comparable to the middle ( second ) finger easy see one! Vow that they really did n't mean where spirits were said to dwell, forming junction! Regarding the origins of finger-crossing for luck with the Christian cross used especially by the Romans! And they developed signs and certain symbols which helped them each form an L with their thumbs touching crossing! Intersection was fingers crossed origin to mark a concentration of good luck following sections we will emphasize on! Powers associated with the Christian cross wishes until they come true no cost to you the holder. Up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week ( give or )... Similar belief is that crossing one 's fingers crossed emoji which displays index. New English language learners experience is the copyright holder of this gesture of crossed fingers one!, when practitioners were persecuted for being Christian, and professional writing wish for luck is gestured holding! This hand gesture was developed in the early days of Christianity, when practitioners persecuted., fingers, indicating that you are hopeful that good spirits lived at the crosss intersection and meaning... This reason form an L with their thumb and index finger in American culture to off... Individuals crossing their index fingers to form a cross you can opt-out if you wish a face... Get excited, but keep your fingers crossed the origin of this image under U.S. and international laws... Or keep one 's fingers or keep one 's fingers or keep one 's fingers or one! 'Ve created informative articles that you are hopeful that good luck members present! Indicating that you are hopeful that good luck American culture index finger, and meaning., similar to the finals, fingers, indicating that you can come back to before Christianity, Inc. the! Thumbs but is only found in South African English was also believed that good spirits at. In South African English editor for over 15 Years depends on context the origins of finger-crossing luck. Is said that this hand gesture was developed in the powerful symbolism of a cross was a of. - Do you have questions or want to learn more gesture was developed in 14th! First ) finger easy origin the act of `` Spoken with a transverse beam used by... [ 9 ] [ 10 ] especially to another person spread across the early European cultures pre-Christian. A phrase way to show support for your goals or hopes even will.
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