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cross fingers

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cross your fingers

also keep your fingers crossed

to hope for good luck At this point, they can only stand back, cross their fingers and wait to see if the fireworks go off perfectly.

Etymology: based on the practice, esp. of children, to put one finger over the next one either as a sign of hope for good luck or to avoid punishment

See also: cross, finger

cross your fingers

  also keep your fingers crossed

to hope that things will happen in the way you want them to

Usage notes: People often cross their middle finger over their first finger as a sign that they are hoping for luck.

We're crossing our fingers and hoping that the weather stays fine. (often an order) Keep your fingers crossed, everyone, Jane's only got to answer one more question.

See also: cross, finger