what does it mean when people say "knock on wood"?

Answer 1

Well..... It's meaning is: If Good Luck is willling.....

Example: I am sure that your tax returns will not be audited, knock on wood.

The possible origin is: One theory is that it originated in the middle ages when there were in circulation, pieces of the Holy Rood or Cross on which Jesus was crucified. To touch one of these was supposed to bring good luck hence touch wood for good luck. There were also several Holy Foreskins around at the time ..but that was a different story!
Thanks to Zebulun

Alternatively,

The Druids, who worshipped trees, especially Oaks, wore a piece of Oak around their neck to ward off evil spirits. Hence touch wood for good luck.

Thanks to Cynthia Blackledge

Alternatively,

You knock on wood because of those wily Wood Sprites. In medieval times, people believed in mischievous creatures known as sprites. Sprites are actually spirits or ghosts who were reputed to enjoy causing trouble and wreaking havoc in the lives of the living. Among the most mischievous were wood sprites.

If you were to mention something good, the wood sprites would try to foul it up. The thought was that if you knocked on the wood when you said these things, the wood sprites would not be able to hear you because of the knocking sound. Hence they would leave you alone.

Answer 2

The expression "knock on wood", is like a good luck charm, so that no harm will come to you for saying, for example, "well, thank God we are not sick this year" "knock on wood".

Answer 3

the saying comes from long ago meaning security. when doors were made back in the day people felt more save when people had to "knock on wood" before coming inside. overtime it has a dual meang of solidarity and lucky charm

Answer 4

If you dont knock on wood something will go wrong

Answer 5

It means that, without even realizing it, they are perpetuating an ancient Celitic (Druid) ritual. The Oak was sacred to the gods. To touch wood was to make connection with the divine. Therefore, "knocking" on wood became a shorthand act to please the gods and bring good luck.

Answer 6

Touching wood or knocking on wood is a Pagan thing.

Its all described at this website.

Answer 7

when you have luck in your life and you do not want that to change you knock on the wood.

Answer 8

The nearest meaning would be "with a bit of luck" or "providing all goes well". Here is an even better definition in this link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocking_on_wood

Answer 9

so what just came out of there mouth doesn't come true.. prob stems from old witch craft way when people where superstitious..ok i read the guys above link.. i was kinda off.. but good reading!

Answer 10

I had no clue what it really meant.
Thanks for asking because now I know.

Here check this site out....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocking_on_wood