Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[leslie]

Hi,

I was wondering if this phrase 'cross sb's fingers' meaning 'lying'? I remember it has this meaning but when I look up the dictionary I cannot find anything but 'wish for the good luck'. Today I watched some cartoon Noddy, and this phrase came up and it did mean ' lying', can anyone explain this?

Thanks in advance.

Leslie
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Less Is Blessed

[MrPedantic]

Hello Leslie

There's a popular tradition that if you cross your fingers (or some other part of your body) while you tell a lie, you are absolved of any wrong-doing.

Usually, people cross their fingers discreetly, so as not to advertise the fact that they're lying.

You also cross your fingers for good luck.

MrP