To cross one's fingers / Croiser les doigts

As touching wood, this expression is used in both French and English.

The cross is the main symbol of Christianity. So what better sign to use in order to keep evil spirits away and prevent a variety of misfortunes befall?

None.

Damned! Religion is really everywhere...

Boring...

Drown in a glass of water

During the past few weeks, I have used this expression twice or three times. Of course, nobody understood me.

From the French expression 'se noyer dans un verre d'eau', this is used when some people can be overtaken by minimal difficulties.. just like if they would be able to drown in a versy small amount of water.

Touch Wood / Toucher du Bois

How come we use this expression in all language?

The expression is used by people around the world accompanied by the touching of an item made from wood as a form of protection.

But why ?

How could wood protect us?

The origin is quite old (Persia, or Egypt), and remains closely linked to the religion of the people concerned: Touch wood amounted to get under the protection of Atar, the Persians god of the fire.

For the Egyptians, wood possessed a kind of beneficial magnetism. To touch it placed you under the protection of this energy.

Closer to us, the saying was used by Christians as a reminder of the crucifixion of Christ on the Cross . Touch wood then returned to a kind of prayer to be placed under its protection and to protect themselves against adversity.

But does it work?

Well....Fingers crossed !

Cela Fait Sens

'It Makes Sense', employée lorsqu'une idée est logique, a du 'sens'.

Ponctuant de nombreuses discussions, elle est dite de multiples fois par jour et il est donc inévitable de ne pas l'utiliser lorsqu'on ré-emploit sa langue maternelle.

Standing next to my shoes

From the French expression 'Etre à côté de ses pompes'.

This expression reflects a shift from reality. It means that a person is not concentrated, is thoughtful.
"Standing next to my shoes" means that we do things without really being concentrated, reflecting not there.