India, Nov. 2 -- Have you ever mentioned something going well and immediately added "touch wood" to avoid jinxing it? Whether it is hoping to stay healthy, wishing for continued success, or simply trying to keep bad luck away, touching a wooden surface has become a familiar everyday habit. But have you ever wondered where this curious superstition came from? Let's find out how the expression became part of everyday language. (Also read: Everyday explained: Why do jeans have a leather patch on the back? The history behind denim's iconic detail )

The phrase "touch wood" is commonly used after making a hopeful or confident statement, particularly when someone wants to avoid tempting fate. For instance, a person might say, "I haven't fallen ...