The phrase "kept fingers crossed" is a common idiom meaning to hope for good luck or success. The spelling of this phrase follows regular English pronunciation rules. "Kept" is spelled with a silent 'e' and the 'p' is pronounced. The word "fingers" is pronounced with a voiced 's' sound, and "crossed" is spelled with a double 's' to indicate its pronunciation as /krɒsd/. The IPA phonetic transcription reads as: /kɛpt ˈfɪŋɡərz krɒst/.
The phrase "kept fingers crossed" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the superstitious belief that crossing one's fingers brings good luck or wards off bad luck. It is typically used to convey the act of expressing hope, optimism, or a desire for a positive outcome. When someone says they "kept their fingers crossed," it means they maintained a hopeful attitude or wished for something favorable to happen while silently crossing their fingers, usually behind their back or in their pockets.
The gesture of crossing fingers involves folding one finger over another, most commonly the index finger over the middle finger, to create a symbolic cross. By doing so, individuals are believed to form a spiritual or magical connection that influences the events or forces that determine the outcome of a situation. By keeping their fingers crossed, people attempt to influence fate in their favor or express their faith in a desired outcome.
This expression is used in various contexts, such as before an important event, during challenging times, or when anticipating a particular result. It is often employed to demonstrate a cautious or optimistic mindset, acknowledging uncertainties while also maintaining an unwavering hope. "Kept fingers crossed" serves as a metaphor for harboring positive thoughts, expectations, or aspirations, while relying on personal belief or faith for a positive conclusion.