Knock On Wood Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

Knock on wood What does Knock on wood mean?	Tap on a wooden surface for gook luck or to keep from putting a jinx on yourself for having mentioned some hope or dream aloud.	If good luck is willing. I am sure that your tax returns will not be audited, knock on wood. 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.
knock on wood What does knock on wood mean?	knock on something made of wood to keep from having bad luck	I don`t think that I will lose my job - knock on wood.
knock on wood What does knock on wood mean?	to knock on something made of wood to keep from having bad luck	I do not think that I will lose my job - knock on wood.
	Some Random Idioms
out of control What does "out of control" mean?	to be uncontrollable/wild	The soccer fans were out of control after their team won the championship.

hot What does "hot" mean?	angry; upset
come as no surprise What does "come as no surprise" mean?	to not be surprising	It came as no surprise when the government decided to have an election.
Twisting in the wind What does "Twisting in the wind" mean?	If you are twisting in the wind, you are without help or support - you are on your own.
as crazy as a loon What does "as crazy as a loon" mean?	crazy	Our neighbor is as crazy as a loon.
Bur under my saddle What does "Bur under my saddle" mean?	A bur under your saddle is something that annoys you or spurs you into action.('Burr' is an alternative spelling.)

teach (someone) a lesson What does "teach (someone) a lesson" mean?	to get even with someone for their bad behavior	I plan to teach my friend a lesson for not telephoning me to cancel our appointment.
incumbent upon (someone) to (do something) What does "incumbent upon (someone) to (do something)" mean?	necessary for someone to do something	It is incumbent upon the next mayor to try and do something about crime in the city.
down-at-the-heels What does "down-at-the-heels" mean?	to be shabby, to be poorly dressed	The man looked down-at-the-heels after he was fired from his job.
NATO What does "NATO" mean?	North Atlantic Treaty Organization	North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationThe members of NATO are gathering for an important meeting next month in Brussels.
give me some skin What does "give me some skin" mean?	a request to touch hands as a form of greeting or agreement
Put someone out to pasture What does "Put someone out to pasture" mean?	If someone is put out to pasture, they are forced to resign or give up some responsibilities.

American Idioms and Expressions

Knock On Wood Idiom