To “keep one’s fingers crossed” means to hope for a positive outcome or wish for good luck, often in situations where the result is uncertain.
The expression is widely believed to have roots in early Christian symbolism, where the cross served as a protective sign and a symbol of invoking divine favor. One theory suggests that people physically formed a cross by placing the middle finger over the index finger as a quiet gesture of prayer or hope when spoken prayer was not possible.
Another historical explanation points to an even older European folk belief that the shape of a cross could ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune. By the early 20th century, the expression had firmly entered everyday English as a way of expressing hope for success or luck.
The phrase gained popularity during World War II, when soldiers and their families used it as a shared symbol of hope and safe return. It carried genuine emotional weight to hold on to something when outcomes were entirely out of one’s hands. In some contexts, particularly among children, crossing fingers behind one’s back is used as a “legal loophole” to excuse a white lie.
The modern phrase “keep your fingers crossed” emphasizes maintaining that hope until the outcome is known.
In use
I have my visa interview tomorrow, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
We submitted the proposal last week and are keeping our fingers crossed for a positive response.
She kept her fingers crossed while waiting for nail-biting final.
