folklore

• Blow hot and cold

  To frequently change one's opinion or attitude, showing inconsistency or indecision.

• Kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

  To destroy something valuable or profitable out of greed or impatience, thereby losing its future benefits.

• Wishing on a star

  To make a hopeful wish, often silently, believing it might come true, especially when looking at a star.

• Away with the fairies

  To be out of touch with reality, dreamy, or impractical, often implying a whimsical or naive state of mind.

• Knock on wood

  To tap a wooden surface, often while speaking, to ward off bad luck or to ensure a current good fortune continues.

• Old wives' tale

  A traditional belief or superstition, often medically or scientifically unfounded, passed down orally, especially among older women.

• Rabbit's foot

  A rabbit's foot is a traditional talisman, believed to bring good luck to its owner.

• Cast a spell

  To use magic, often through words or rituals, to influence or control someone or something.

• The evil eye

  A malevolent look or glare believed in many cultures to inflict harm, misfortune, or bad luck upon the person it is directed at.

• Ward off evil

  To protect oneself or something from harm, negative influences, or malevolent forces.

• Seven years bad luck

  The superstition that breaking a mirror will lead to seven consecutive years of misfortune for the person responsible.

• Walk under a ladder

  To pass directly beneath a leaning ladder, an action widely regarded as a superstitious act that invites misfortune or bad luck.

• As sly as a fox

  This idiom describes someone who is exceptionally clever, cunning, and often deceptive, much like a fox.

• Pay the piper

  To face the unavoidable and often negative consequences of one's past actions or decisions.

• Fairy godmother

  A benevolent, magical female figure who helps someone achieve their dreams or overcome difficulties, or by extension, any person or agency providing unexpected, vital assistance.

• Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

  A grand, often unattainable, reward or ultimate goal that is pursued with great hope.

• The moon is made of green cheese

  It refers to an absurd, easily disproven, or naive belief.

• If the shoe fits

  This phrase suggests that if a criticism, description, or statement accurately applies to someone, they should accept it as true.

• Legend has it

  This phrase introduces an unverified traditional story or popular belief, often one that has been passed down through generations.

• black magic

  Magic that is used for malicious or selfish purposes, often invoking evil forces or spirits.

• An urban legend

  An urban legend is a modern, often sensational or humorous story of a cautionary or mysterious nature, circulated informally as if true.

• Sleepy hollow

  A peaceful, often isolated, and slightly eerie valley or community, reminiscent of the setting of Washington Irving's famous tale.

• A silver bullet

  A simple, magical solution to a complex problem, often one that is highly effective or universally applicable.

• The Grim Reaper is calling

  This phrase indicates that someone is critically ill, facing a life-threatening danger, or nearing the end of their life.