- A way to wish someone good luck, particularly before a performance (acting, music, public speaking) or sometimes before other stressful events like exams or interviews.
Explanation
Origin
- Primarily from the theater world.
- One theory suggests it's a superstition: directly wishing good luck was considered bad luck.
- Performers therefore used an ironic or opposite phrase, hoping to invoke the reverse effect (good fortune).
- Other theories relate it to bowing (bending the leg), actors getting paid only if they crossed the leg line (stage curtains), or even hoping for so many curtain calls that the actor might figuratively break a leg from bowing repeatedly.
- The superstitious/ironic origin is the most widely accepted.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Kill it! (Perform extremely well)
- Nail it! (Succeed perfectly)
- Smash it! (UK/Aus Do very well)
- You got this! (Encouragement)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Go fuckin' kill it! (Very informal encouragement)
- Kick some ass! (Informal, be very successful/assertive)
Milder:
- Do well!
- Hope it goes great!
- I'm rooting for you!
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal.
- Very appropriate in contexts related to performance (theater, music, dance, presentations).
- Can be used more broadly for tests, interviews, etc., but might sound slightly theatrical.
- Avoid in very formal settings or situations involving actual physical danger where the literal meaning could be misconstrued or seem insensitive.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The most common misunderstanding is taking it literally as wishing someone physical harm.
- It's crucial for learners to understand the superstitious/ironic origin and that it's a positive wish.
Examples
- Break a leg in your audition today!
- You've prepared well for the presentation. Go break a leg!
- To all the runners in the marathon tomorrow: break a leg! (Used more loosely here)
Dialogue
Sarah: Okay, I'm heading onto the stage now.
Mark: Alright! You got this. Break a leg!
Sarah: Thanks, Mark! Wish me luck... uh, you know what I mean.
Mark: Haha, exactly! Knock 'em dead!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Big presentation tomorrow morning! Wish me luck... or rather, break a leg! #publicspeaking #nerves
- Instagram Caption (on a photo of a theatre): Opening night! Telling the cast to 'break a leg!' So excited for them. #theatre #openingnight #goodluck
- Comment: Break a leg at your competition this weekend! @[Friend's Handle]
Response Patterns
- Thanks!
- Thank you, I will!
- Appreciate it!
- Will do!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After receiving the wish:
- The person usually says Thanks and proceeds with their performance or task.
After the event:
- The person who said Break a leg might ask: So, how did it go?, Did you break a leg? (playfully).
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Typically used as a parting remark or send-off before an event, not to start a conversation.
Intonation
- Usually spoken with enthusiasm and encouragement.
- Stress often falls on Break and leg.
- BREAK a LEG! often with a slightly rising or exclamatory tone.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations, though perhaps felt most traditional or relevant within artistic/performance communities.
Regional Variations
- Common in most major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).