Meaning
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed" means I'm hoping hard that something goes well, usually something you can't control anymore: a test result, a job offer, the weather on a wedding day. It comes from a real gesture. You cross your middle finger over your index finger for luck, and people still do it while they say the words.
The short form, "fingers crossed", works on its own as a reply, in speech and in messages. "I'll keep my fingers crossed for you" is a warm way to support someone who is waiting. It is friendly and neutral, fine with anyone. One trap: crossing your fingers behind your back means the opposite, that you don't mean what you're promising. Kids do it as a joke.
In a conversation
- Emma
- Kenji
- Emma
- Kenji
- Emma
- Kenji
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Check yourself
Practice · 3 min
Listen, then say each line. "Fingers crossed" is two strong beats with a small pause after it.
Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.