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LANGUAGE CLUB
IDIOMS AND THEIR ORIGINS...
Crossing one’s fingers is a quick and easy way of making the sign of the cross to shield oneself from diabolic power. It is also easy to keep them crossed, thus ensuring lasting protection from the
devil’s tricks.
Funk (1950) says that the expression is certainly American, probably originating among the black slave population.
Fingers are crossed for the South of England Traditional Youth Marching Band Contest . . . but it’s the fifth time the 2nd Burgess Hill Boys and Girls Brigade have organised the event and they've got it off pat.
MID SUSSEX TIMES, September 6, 1991.
When I got back a colleague informed me that a large proportion o f our Cabinet was on holiday in France. Keep your fingers crossed. They might learn something.
MID SUSSEX TIMES, August 9, 1991.
Tony plans to plant another 1,000 vines in the spring - and will keep his fingers crossed there are no late frosts.
DAILY MAIL, October 11, 1991.
The phrase has been in popular use for over three hundred years. Whether the metaphor alludes to the frenetic buzzing of thought, like the protests of the trapped bee, or the frenzied behaviour of the wearer of the bonnet, convinced that he will be stung at any moment, is up to the reader to decide.
Like all specialists, Bauerstein’s got a bee in his bonnet. Poisons are his hobby, so, of course, he sees them everywhere.
AGATHA CHRISTIE, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, 1920.
The new Spanish ambassador, with the bee of an economic blockade buzzing in his head, advised Alva to seize English shipping and goods before he knew that Elizabeth intended to appropriate thetreasure.
J. E. NEALE, Queen Elizabeth, 1971.