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Each week Young Post will look at the English language in everyday situations; This week  Superstitious people use certain expressions to avoid bad luck
An 'old wives' tale' is a piece of advice  that has been passed from generation to generation. For example, people avoid walking under ladders as it will bring bad luck. What about other superstitions?  What do superstitious people say to ask for good luck and to avoid bad luck?
'Good luck'
'Good luck' is the most popular expression people use to wish others good fortune.
You can also say 'Wish you success' when someone's taking part in a sports or academic competition.
While the Chinese generally think '3' is a lucky number, westerners believe it depends on the situation.
'Everything comes in three's' means when things are good, they are very good. Good fortune keeps pouring in. And when things are bad, they are very bad. It seems you cannot stop your bad luck until you hit  rock bottom.
'Bless you'
When we sneeze, we say 'Excuse me'. And western people will say 'Bless you'. It is because western people equate the soul with breath.
When we die, we stop breathing and our soul escapes. We stop breathing for a moment when we sneeze. And our soul temporarily escapes, too.
Therefore, a person who sneezes needs lots of blessings and we say 'Bless you.'
'Touch wood'
Some people believe spirits live in trees. By knocking on or touching wood, they call on the spirits to protect them against bad fortune. When a person who is feeling pessimistic  says 'I'm going to fail the exam', we say 'Touch wood', hoping the bad omen will not come true. This is similar to the Chinese saying  ('Lots of luck and good fortune!').
'Fingers crossed'
To ask for good luck, we say 'Fingers crossed', while crossing our index and middle fingers. The cross is a sign of the Christian faith. Some believe the sign can stop evil spirits from ruining our plans. You can even say 'Fingers and toes crossed', which is a humorous way to increase the power of the expression.



Superstitions