Touch wood Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Superstition Origin The phrase originates from the superstition of touching wood to prevent bad luck. My team is winning the championship this year, touch wood. Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal You don't have to physically touch wood; it's now just a spoken expression. He hasn't missed a day of work yet, touch wood. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Tone Use 'touch wood' in casual conversations, not in formal or written contexts. I always seem to find money on the street, touch wood.