die Daumen drücken

to keep one's fingers crossed; to wish someone luck

Origin

Origin uncertain; probably from old Germanic folk belief in which the thumb (held as a lucky finger), pressed into the fist, warded off misfortune. Another reading points to the gesture of mercy at Roman gladiator fights.

Source

Building blocks

Words in this expression

Examples

  • Ich drücke dir für die die !

    I'll keep my fingers crossed for your exam tomorrow!