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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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Break a Leg (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Break a Leg"?
The term "break a leg" means good luck. Originally, it was said to actors prior to a performance to wish them luck. Nowadays, it is used more widely to wish someone luck.
Examples of Use:
- You've studied this role diligently. You'll be amazing. Get out there and break a leg!
- Your throat looks clear, and your voice seems back to normal. Don't hold back. You can sing your heart out. Break a leg!
- Actors will not whistle in a theatre.
- Actors will not say the final line of a play during rehearsal.
- Actors will not say "Macbeth" but will instead call it "The Scottish Play."
Competing Theory
"Break a leg" has nothing to do with luck. It means to try hard to the extent that you break a leg.Competing Theory
"Break a leg" comes from the German saying "Hals und Beinbruch," which means break your neck and leg. This saying was a banter-style wish used among German aircrew throughout World War II.Competing Theory
"Break a leg" means to give a performance so good that one of the side curtains (called "legs") will fail due to the number of encores.Competing Theory
"Break a leg" means to give a performance so good that you will break a leg as a result of all the post-show curtsying or bending to collect the coins thrown by the audience.Previous and Next Sayings
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