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Break a leg. " Break a leg " is a typical English idiom used in the context of theatre or other performing arts to wish a performer "good luck". An ironic or non-literal saying of uncertain origin (a dead metaphor ), [1] "break a leg" is commonly said to actors and musicians before they go on stage to perform or before an audition.
The term 'break a leg' appears to come from the belief that one ought not to utter the words 'good luck' to an actor. By wishing someone bad luck, it is supposed that the opposite will occur. Other superstitions are that it is bad luck to whistle in a theatre, to say the final line of a play during dress rehearsal, or to say the name of 'the ...
Aug 9, 2021 · “Break a leg” meaning “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.
- Kelly Kuehn
Oct 12, 2021 · The site explains that the first instance of “Break a leg” used to mean “Good luck” was published in 1921. It referred to the custom of saying, “I hope your horse breaks a leg” to mean the opposite, that the horse would win the race. By 1939, the phrase turned up in a reference to actors backstage.
May 21, 2021 · What is the meaning of "break a leg"? The idiom is a common one, and though it sounds confrontational, it's anything but. ... the phrase "break a leg" is meant to ...
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Where does 'break a leg' come from?
Why do actors say 'Break a leg' instead of 'good luck'?
Why do people say 'good luck' instead of 'break a leg'?
Why do actors say 'I hope you break a leg'?
Break a leg is a commonly used idiom that means “good luck.”. Remember, an idiom is an expression that means something entirely different from the literal meaning of the words used. So, if someone tells you to break a leg, don’t worry; they’re just wishing you good luck. Joan told me about your presentation. Break a leg!
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 is real, but ...
