expression
knock on wood; touch wood; heaven forbid
A superstitious phrase spoken to ward off misfortune, similar to 'knock on wood' or 'touch wood' in English. Often said when mentioning something unlucky or hoping to avoid bad luck.
「事故に遭ったことはないよ。くわばらくわばら。」
"I've never been in an accident. Knock on wood."
地震が来ませんように、くわばらくわばら。
Heaven forbid an earthquake strikes — knock on wood.
The phrase is traditionally associated with the legend of Sugawara no Michizane, whose favorite tree was a mulberry (桑, kuwa). Saying 'kuwabara' (mulberry field) was believed to ward off his vengeful spirit. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase has been used as a protective charm for centuries.