Signification
Wishing someone good luck for a specific event.
Contexte culturel
The physical gesture involves tucking the thumb inside the fist. It is common to actually do this while speaking. Identical gesture and meaning. Germans say 'Daumen drücken' (press thumbs). Be careful! In Vietnam, crossing your fingers (the English version of this idiom) can be a very offensive gesture. Poles also 'hold thumbs' (trzymać kciuki), showing the widespread nature of this Germanic/Central European tradition.
Use the Emoji
In texts, use the 🤞 emoji. Even though it's crossed fingers, Swedes use it for 'håller tummarna'.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'för'. Never use 'på' or 'till' when wishing luck for someone.
Signification
Wishing someone good luck for a specific event.
Use the Emoji
In texts, use the 🤞 emoji. Even though it's crossed fingers, Swedes use it for 'håller tummarna'.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'för'. Never use 'på' or 'till' when wishing luck for someone.
Past Tense
Use 'höll' to show you were thinking of someone after the event happened: 'Jag höll tummarna för dig igår!'
The Gesture
If you want to look truly Swedish, actually tuck your thumb into your fist while saying it.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Jag håller _______ för dig på provet imorgon!
The idiom always uses the definite plural form 'tummarna'.
Which preposition is correct?
Vi håller tummarna ___ att det ska gå bra.
The standard preposition used with 'hålla tummarna' is 'för'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Jag har min uppkörning (driving test) idag. B: Åh! ____________________
This is the most natural way to wish someone luck for a specific event.
Match the situation to the phrase.
When would you say 'Jag höll tummarna för dig igår'?
You use the past tense 'höll' to describe your support during the event that has already happened.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Gestures for Luck
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJag håller _______ för dig på provet imorgon!
The idiom always uses the definite plural form 'tummarna'.
Vi håller tummarna ___ att det ska gå bra.
The standard preposition used with 'hålla tummarna' is 'för'.
A: Jag har min uppkörning (driving test) idag. B: Åh! ____________________
This is the most natural way to wish someone luck for a specific event.
When would you say 'Jag höll tummarna för dig igår'?
You use the past tense 'höll' to describe your support during the event that has already happened.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. 'Tummarna' (plural) is the standard version.
Yes, it's very common and professional to say this to colleagues.
'Lycka till' is 'Good luck'. 'Håller tummarna' is 'I'm rooting for you'.
No, it's mostly figurative, but many Swedes do the gesture for emphasis.
No, it's only for positive outcomes.
A simple 'Tack!' or 'Tack, det behövs!' (Thanks, it's needed!) is perfect.
No, it's a secular idiom, though it has ancient superstitious roots.
It's better to say 'Jag håller tummarna för mig själv'.
Yes, it is a universal Swedish idiom.
Only if the result is still unknown. If the result is known, it's too late.
Expressions liées
Lycka till
similarGood luck
Hoppas det går vägen
synonymHope it works out
Spark i baken
specialized formBreak a leg (lit. kick in the butt)
Ta i trä
similarTouch wood / Knock on wood
