What does the phrase mean to 'knock on wood'?

Question

What does the phrase mean to 'knock on wood'?

Answer 1

To warn off bad luck or to not jinx yourself

Answer 2

The phrase used by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping to stave off bad luck. In the UK the phrase 'touch wood' is used - often jokingly by tapping one's head. The phrases are usually used when one is already experiencing some good fortune and hope that it will continue - e.g. "I've been winning on every race - touch wood".

Answer 3

It's something you say when you're hoping for continued good luck. For example, "I haven't been sick in months, knock on wood." I've heard that it comes from the days when people worshipped the spirits of the trees.

Answer 4

it comes from an old celtic belief that if you knocked on wood you were summoning the fairies help who lived in the trees. Sorry i don't know any more detials :(