sign of the cross
6
5.5
- noun
- /saɪn əv ðə krɔs/
:
signo de la cruz
- She always makes the sign of the cross before entering the church to express her faith.
- make the sign of the cross
Examples
-
Adam shut his eyes and made the sign of the cross.
Fiction book (2000) -
The priest moved forward, bringing Billy with him, and made the sign of the cross on Leo's forehead.
Fiction book (1994) -
- Did you make the sign of the cross? -
-
I make the sign of the cross over the guy.
-
Soon, people would make the sign of the cross upon seeing him to ensure their own safety.
Academic text (2010) -
We receive this child into the congregation of Christ, and do sign him with the sign of the cross.
-
A woman on the sidewalk close to the car was making the sign of the cross.
Fiction book (1994) -
"God rest his soul," echoed the others, making the sign of the cross.
Fiction book (1991) -
At the table, Arnold murmurs his thanks before making the sign of the cross and tucking into his breakfast.
Fiction book (2000) -
Reverend Jonathon Merle made the sign of the cross and slowly stood, using the rail for leverage.
Fiction book (1990)
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase composes 'sign' (a mark or gesture) with 'of the cross' (relating to the Christian cross), so the meaning—a gesture indicating or tracing the cross—is directly derivable from the constituent meanings. This construction is cross-linguistically common in Christian contexts, so a B1 learner who knows the words would very likely infer the intended ritual gesture.
Etymology
Sign of the cross comes from Christians moving their right hand to draw a small cross over their forehead, chest and shoulders. By marking the cross on their body they show 'faith' and ask for 'blessing' or 'protection', so the gesture now means a public act of belief or a way to seek 'good luck' before an event.