hold thumbs

hold (one's) thumbs

To maintain hope that something will happen or be the case. Primarily heard in South Africa. The team's manager will be holding thumbs that his star player will be healthy enough to play on Saturday. I hope we get the account, but don't hold your thumbs.

See also: hold, thumb

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

hold ˈthumbs

(South African) hope that your plans will be successful or that something will take place in the way that you want it to: Let’s hold thumbs that you get the job.

See also: hold, thumb

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017