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One popular etymology derives the phrase from the 1865 assassination of Abraham Lincoln, [21] during which John Wilkes Booth, the actor-turned-assassin, claimed in his diary that he broke his leg leaping to the stage of Ford's Theatre after murdering the president.
The phrase ‘break a leg’ is a jovial encouragement, said to actors for good luck before they go on stage, especially on an opening night. What's the origin of the phrase 'Break a leg'? Theatrical types are well known for their belief in superstitions, or at least for their willingness to make a show of pretending to believe in them.
May 21, 2021 · When someone is about to perform on stage, you say, "Break a leg!" But why would you say something that sounds so violent — and where did this odd expression come from? Learn all about the "break a leg" meaning, origin and use in modern conversation.
Aug 9, 2021 · “Break a leg” is a phrase that means “good luck.” It’s typically said to actors before they go on stage for a performance, particularly on opening night.
Jul 28, 2021 · The common story behind "break a leg" is that it began as a replacement for "good luck"—a phrase that's actually considered bad luck if spoken out loud in theater. The superstition...
Aug 25, 2023 · Read about the origin of break a leg. The idiom ‘break a leg’ is used in theater to wish someone good luck. However, the phrase itself possibly originates with Jewish soldiers in the German army.
Meaning. A superstitious way to wish ‘good luck’ to an actor before a performance while avoiding saying ‘good luck’ out loud, which is considered unlucky. Examples. People often said ‘break a leg’ to Olivier, but he didn’t really need it.
The etymology of the common idiom “break a leg,” uttered as a wish for success, is steeped in mystery. Originating in the American theater scene in the early 20th century, this saying has been linked to many possible sources.
There are many theories as to the origin, ranging from breaking a leg meaning to bow when taking applause, to the assassin John Wilkes Booth breaking a leg when he jumped down from the balcony after killing Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
Oct 15, 2023 · The idiom “Break a Leg” is heavily intertwined with the world of theater and is believed to have originated in the 20th century. One theory suggests that it was believed uttering “good luck” would actually bring bad luck in the superstitious theatrical world, hence an alternative – “Break a leg” – was used to wish luck without ...
