die Finger kreuzen

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German

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Verb

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die Finger kreuzen (weak, third-person singular present kreuzt die Finger, past tense kreuzte die Finger, past participle die Finger gekreuzt, auxiliary haben)

  1. to put the middle finger across the index finger, a gesture made when taking a false oath, either clandestinely to symbolically break the oath, or openly in a jocular manner; to cross one's fingers
    „Versprichst du, dass du nie wieder die Schule schwänzt?“, fragte sein Vater. „Ich verspreche es hoch und heilig“, sagte er und kreuzte demonstrativ die Finger.
    “Do you promise never to skip school again?”, his father asked. “I solemnly promise”, said he and ostentatiously crossed his fingers.

Usage notes

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  • The gesture is not used as one of good luck. For that, see Daumen drücken.

Conjugation

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