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Crosses are ladders that lead to heaven.

Prov. Having to endure trouble can help you to be virtuous. When Mary was diagnosed with cancer, her mother consoled her by saying that crosses are ladders that lead to heaven, and that though she might have to suffer in this world, she would surely be rewarded in the next.

See also: heaven, ladder, lead

have one's wires crossed

Fig. to have one's mental processes in disarray; to be confused. You don't know what you are talking about. You've really got your wires crossed! Joan got her wires crossed about who arrived first. It was Bob, not Gary.

See also: have, wire

keep one's fingers crossed (for someone or something) and cross one's fingers

to wish for luck for someone or something, sometimes by actually crossing one's fingers; to hope for a good outcome for someone or something. I hope you win the race Saturday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I'm trying out for a play. Keep your fingers crossed!

See also: finger, keep

star-crossed lovers

ill-fated lovers. I suppose that Romeo and Juilet are star-crossed lovers.

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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

get your lines/wires crossed

if two people get their lines crossed, they do not understand each other correctly

Usage notes: When telephone lines get crossed, a mistake is made and you are connected to the wrong person.

Somehow we got our lines crossed because I'd got the 23rd written down in my diary and Jenny had the 16th.

See also: get, line

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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