crossed

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

fingers crossed

something that you say to show that you hope that what you have just said will happen or be true. Fingers crossed, we'll get the job done in time, but there's still an awful lot to do.

See also: crosse, finger

get your lines/wires crossed

if two people get their lines crossed, they do not understand each other correctly. Somehow we got our lines crossed because I'd got the 23rd written down in my diary and Jenny had the 16th.

See also: crosse, line, wire

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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