Break a Leg | Meaning, Origin & Examples
Break a leg is an expression that means “good luck.” It’s commonly said to actors, dancers, and other performers before their act because of superstitious beliefs that saying “good luck” is unlucky.
Don’t worry. You’ve practiced your lines plenty of times. Now, go out there and break a leg!
This is what we’ve been preparing for together. Break a leg, everyone!
What does break a leg mean?
“Break a leg” is an idiom that means “good luck.” An idiom is an expression that cannot be interpreted based on the meaning of the individual words that comprise it.
“Break a leg” is mostly used in theater among actors, dancers, and other types of performers. However, the expression is quite ubiquitous, with people frequently using it as a direct synonym of “good luck,” regardless of the context.
However, it’s important to note that “break a leg” carries an informal and playful tone. It’s best to avoid using this idiom in serious situations.
I can’t believe it’s already time for your performance. Break a leg. You’ll do great.
You have prepared for this championship game all season. Break a leg, team.
Don’t be nervous. You’re beyond ready for this piano recital. Break a leg!
Break a leg, Suzie. We’ll be waiting for you right here when the show is over.
Break a leg origin
One of the most common theories is that the idiom originated in the theater world due to performers’ belief that saying “good luck” brought bad luck. So, instead, they’d wish for something bad to happen, like for a performer to “break a leg.”
Another theater-based theory suggests that “break a leg” originated during Elizabethan times. Instead of applauding, the audience would bang the legs of their chairs on the ground, and if they banged hard enough (presumably because they truly enjoyed the show), the legs would break.
Some etymology experts suggest that the idiom originated from a loan translation of the German phrase “Hals- und Beinbruch,” which literally means “neck and leg break.” That phrase itself was a humorous interpretation of the Yiddish phrase “Hatsloche un broche,” which literally translates to “success and blessing.” The similar pronunciations of these phrases may have been the start of an ironic well-wishing.
Frequently asked questions about break a leg
- What is a synonym for break a leg?
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“Break a leg” is an idiom that means “good luck.”
When wanting to express words of encouragement, other expressions you can use in place of “break a leg” include:
- Best of luck
- Godspeed
- Knock ‘em dead
- Give it your best shot
- Show them what you’re made of
- Why do people say break a leg?
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People say “break a leg” as a way to wish others success and good luck.
Some theories suggest that the idiom “break a leg” originated in theater, as performers believed it was unlucky to say “good luck.”
