Fingers Crossed | Definition, Useful Examples & Synonyms List

Fingers Crossed: The phrase ‘fingers crossed’ is frequently used in day-to-day conversations and writing. In this writing, we will be discussing the meaning of the expression and also the origin. You will also be finding examples of how to use the expression properly in statements or conversations.

Fingers Crossed

Meaning of the Phrase ‘Fingers Crossed’

The phrase ‘fingers crossed’ is generally a comment an individual makes in response to any situation where the person wants good luck for themselves or others after detailing any scenario where it is needed or wanted.

  • It is a gesture of crossing fingers for expressing good luck.
  • To expect that something is going to happen in the proper manner as desired.
  • Used for expressing the hope of the desired something is going to happen.
  • An expectation that things are going to happen in the way you are willing them to happen.

Origin of the Phrase ‘Fingers Crossed’

The act of crossing fingers goes back to before Christianity. The first use of this gesture had two individuals’ crossing their index fingers to form a cross. The pagans used to believe that the symbol of the cross was a symbol of good luck. They were the believers of ‘sacred geometry’ and thought that ‘kind-hearted’ spirits resided in the cross’s intersections. Hence, one-two individuals made the cross, they could have made a wish, and the spirits would favour them.

It is also believed that during the earliest days of Christianity, individuals used it for signalling their beliefs to others. They used to be persecuted for being Christian, and this used to be their way of acknowledging themselves. They all used to form the L symbol with their index finger and thumb, and when together placed, it used to make a cross.

With time this gesture evolved to one individual being able to do it by themselves. It has been rumoured to have been developed during the 14th century when the soldiers were in need of luck and could not cross their fingers with another soldier. In today’s world, people don’t perform the gesture always but use the phrase ‘fingers crossed’ simply.

Fingers Crossed Definition

Examples in Which ‘Fingers Crossed’ is Used

Sentences We Use In Daily Life

  1. All we can do is cross our fingers and hope that they win the match.
  2. Fingers crossed that my sister Janet will get a promotion soon.
  3. It is too early to say how Rachel has performed. It doesn’t look bad, so fingers crossed.
  4. She now has her fingers crossed for good weather on the day.
  5. Fingers crossed that the team performs well as they have had over the last three years in the competitions.
  6. Airlines keep their fingers crossed since it is the only option of transportation left as many landslides have blocked all the roads on the whole mountain range.
  7. I think I did well in the exams, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
  8. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my wife clears the written interview this Wednesday for joining her dream company.
  9. India extended the lockdowns with their fingers crossed for vaccines during the Corona Virus pandemic.
  10. Fingers crossed, everything goes according to plan.

Statement Examples With Situations

A statement in the newspaper by a local individual.

Fingers crossed that the plan of repairing the roads of the city will go better than the last.”

A statement made by a cricket player prior to their big match.

Fingers crossed, we will go out on the field and win this match.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two students studying in the same class.

  • Student A: Did you do your homework last night?
  • Student B: Did we have homework? I completely forgot!
  • Student C: Yes, me too! Fingers crossed, ma’am, forgets about it!

A conversation between a dad and his son.

  • Son: I want a cat.
  • Dad: Well, you know your mom doesn’t like pets and wants a cat in the house.
  • Son: Fingers crossed she changes her mind.

Fingers Crossed Synonyms

Other Ways of Saying ‘Fingers Crossed’

Similar to all other idiomatic phrases, there are several ways one can convey similar meanings in more literal terms. Some of this one can use instead of the words ‘fingers crossed’.

Synonyms of ‘Fingers Crossed’ And Their Use In Sentences

  • Good luck

Use: She texted me yesterday to say good luck with my match.

  • Hopefully

Use: Hopefully, I will see my mother tomorrow.

  • Hope for the best

Use: All we can do in this situation is hope for the best.

  • Best of luck

Use: Best of luck with your examination tomorrow.

  • Pray

Use: Let’s all pray that grandma gets well soon.

  • Break a leg

Use: Aditi’s family told her to break a leg just before she went on the stage.

  • Stroke of luck

Use: She lived in the hope that her husband would have any stroke of luck.

  • Best wishes

Use: Best wishes for the new chapter in your life.

  • Better luck next time

Use: I’m so sorry that you failed the test. Better luck next time!

  • I hope you do well

Use: I hope you do well in your interview tomorrow.

  • Wishing you all the best

Use: The new job role comes with a number of responsibilities. Wishing you all the best for all the challenges.

  • I hope it all goes well.

Use: I hope it all goes well in tomorrow’s match.

  • Stay careful

Use: Stay careful when driving on wet roads.

  • Have a blast

Use: This party has been organized to celebrate your success, have a blast!

  • Wishing you all the luck

Use: I hope your exam goes well tomorrow. Wishing you all the luck! 

  • All the best

Use: Before Sheena went on the stage, her mother wished her all the best.

  • This opportunity was made for you.

Use: You have worked hard for this. This opportunity was made for you.

  • You are going to do amazing.

Use: Don’t worry so much about the exam. You are going to do amazing.