Lord willing and the creek don't rise

Definition

Barring unforeseen circumstances.

Etymology

Statements of the form "God/Lord willing and (some other condition being met)" are ancient extensions of simple acceptance of God's will in phrases like God willing and Lord willing. "Creek" originated as a reference to creeks flooding and preventing travel, but is sometimes re-interpreted as a reference to the Creek tribe.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonym: hopefully (sentence adverbial sense)"
• "Lord willing and the creek don't rise, we'll have that new barn finished in time for the harvest."