Transcript

Hi everyone, I hope you're well, I'm back today for another very short video where together we'll look at a French expression in just a few minutes.

Today, we're going to look at the expression touch wood. It's an expression I love and use very often.

Knock on wood, this expression is mostly used by superstitious people who have certain beliefs, who see favorable or unfavorable signs all around them.

I don't know if you're superstitious, but I'm a bit superstitious. I don't like, for example, going under a ladder where I'm afraid of breaking a mirror because they say you'll have 7 years of bad luck.

I don't like, for example, if I have friends who are going to have a baby, to buy the gift before the birth. I'm superstitious. When you're superstitious, you can touch wood to prevent misfortune from happening. You ward off bad luck. Touching wood protects you from bad things that might happen. You go against a bad spell.

For example, if I'm pregnant and I'm talking to a friend about a baby who's had major problems, such as an illness or disability, I'll say, "Touch wood, so that this doesn't happen to my baby".

A board for cutting bread, but often, we'll be touching a table. Yes, because I forgot to tell you, this is essential. When you use this expression, you have to accompany it with a gesture.

So, you have to find a piece of wood to touch. Here's another context. For example, I can say Caroline has already failed her driver's license four times, plus she needs it for her job.

She's going to get fired if she doesn't get her driver's license soon. So I'm going to knock on wood and hope she passes her driving test. I'm going against a curse.

There, that was very short. That's it for today. I hope you enjoyed this video.

Let me know in the comments if, in your language or country, there are any other little expressions or quirks that people use to ward off a bad spell. If you liked this video, of course, give it a like and, above all, subscribe to the channel so you don't miss any of my videos.

I'll see you soon.