What does mean this idiom"fingers crossed"?

Answer 1

Several have given the basic meaning ('wishing for good luck' in the thing being mentioned or attempted), but are you also interested in the origins of the gesture?

On that point, first of all, it has NOTHING to do with contraception!

There actually is a little debate about this. One popular book (Charles Panati's *Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things*) claims that it goes back to an ancient pagan ritual based on the idea that 'benign spirits dwelt at the intersection point'. ("Straight Dope" cites Panati's book on this question) But Panati offers no evidence of this belief much less its connection with the gesture. And even if there may have been such an ancient connection it appears later to have been reinterpreted and 'Christianized'.

Much more likely it is connected the gesture with the ancient Christian rite of making the "sign of the cross" (connected to the sacred symbol of the cross on which Christ died) in connection with a solemn act like pronouncing or praying for a blessing, or undertaking a solemn promise (oath).

Of course, a "prayer for blessing", esp. when attempting something difficult and uncertain, or faced with a risky, scary situation, may quickly turn into a "wish for good luck/success". (Think of a woman in danger or distress quickly and repeatedly crossing herself.)'

And note that there is ANOTHER use of the finger-crossing gesture. If someone "crosses his fingers" BEHIND his back it indicates a SECRET wish or sentiment, ordinarily one that is the OPPOSITE of what he is saying to others. Thus it is used for someone's telling a LIE. Perhaps, then, we should connect it with the practice of using the sign of cross while making a solemn statement or oath.

The notion is apparently that the gesture (esp if it is the 'sign of the cross') is more powerful and 'overrules' what is said.

Now I'm not sure how old the 'behind the back' version is or quite how sinister it is supposed to be. It may have originated as a children's adaptation of the sign. Imagine a scared child fibbing (when caught) secretly wishing he is not discovered and punished!

Answer 2

Cross your fingers for good luck.

Answer 3

"(Keep your) fingers crossed everything will go well"

“I will cross my fingers off and wish u the best！”--

　He keeps his fingers crossed hoping his father will send him more money.

　Many people have been keeping their fingers crossed that we can live in a peaceful world.

Answer 4

You cross your fingers when you are wishing for luck....

The expression and motion with fingers originally comes from before the time of contraceptives - condoms, birth control pills - a girl would cross her legs (and wish for luck.....)

Answer 5

You are supposed to cross your fingers to ward off bad luck.

Answer 6

It means, I hope this works or I hope I have good luck. Of course, if something else is crossed, it means I hope I find a restroom soon.

Answer 7

People cross their fingers for good luck.

If you are waiting with your fingers crossed, you are wishing for something good to happen.

Answer 8

Dunno. Lemme ask The Cat. He knows each and every thing. Thinks he's God too. i will could desire to allow you be responsive to what he says. he's doing a great job of snoozing on an identical time as sitting in a field outstanding. I shouldn't problem him. i might get in problem. he might bounce on my head interior the midst of the nighttime and then i might could desire to place up my center finger at him. OH!

Answer 9

It means you are hoping and wishing for luck.

Answer 10

it means that you're wishing 4 good luck