cross fingers

cross your fingers

to hope that things will happen in the way you want them to. We're crossing our fingers and hoping that the weather stays fine. Keep your fingers crossed, everyone, Jane's only got to answer one more question. (often an order)

See also: cross, finger

---

cross your fingers

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