what does the phrase “knock on wood” mean?

it means if you say something u dont want to happen it will unjinks it

not thank god

The origin of the expression is almost certainly connected with a religious belief or superstition, but the exact nature of the belief or superstition is unknown. It may derive from an ancient pagan belief that knocking on a tree was a way to ward off evil spirits, or to call upon protective spirits who supposedly lived in certain trees, especially the oak. Another possible connection is the Christian ritual of touching a wooden crucifix when taking an oath or praying for good fortune. The early Christians may have thought they were touching part of the genuine cross used in the Crucifixion. Later it was thought that touching any wooden crucifix, or part of a crucifix, would confer the same benefits, as would touching any piece of wood that once was part of a sacred tree.

It’s a way of wishing yourself or others luck. Example: studying for an exam, you’ll tell someone, “I’m hoping to do well on this exam, knock on wood.” Or:

You might say to someone: “Good luck on that job interview. Knock on wood.”

it means to literally knock on wood and the result. for example, if you knock on a wooden door you are hoping for someone to come to the door. or if you knock on a wooden table, you are hoping the table wont shatter into a million peices. so it is showing a sign of hope and trust. also dignity and religious beleifs.

it’s just a thing that means that you should knock on wood, so you don’t jinx a person you’re talking about

It’s a human equivalence of a “earthing” a ligtning rod.

Let the unwanted go to the ground.

You are calling upon lucky sprites and wood nymphs to protect you in your endeavor

it means thank god for example knock on i’m not dead means thank god in alive

good luck i think