Folk omens
Dropped a knife: is a man coming to visit?
dropping a knife meaning · knife fell superstition
- knife
- guest
- man
- folk omen
In folk belief if you drop a knife, a man will visit. Some add that if the knife sticks into the floor, the guest is coming very soon.
What does a dropped knife mean?
A spoon and a fork mean a female guest, a knife means a man. The rule is common in many countries and often becomes a joke at the table.
Is it a warning?
Some families also see a dropped knife as a sign of a quarrel, because sharp objects are often linked to conflict in folk tradition. But the most widespread meaning is still a guest.
A practical tip
Never try to catch a falling knife with your foot, and be careful picking it up. The omen may be pleasant, but a cut foot certainly is not.