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A proverbial phrase or expression is a type of conventional saying similar to a proverb and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. [1] [2] In 1768, John Ray defined a proverbial phrase as:
"Break a leg" is an English-language 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 phrase could also come from the idea of race horses "breaking their legs" (AKA how they're standing) at the starting line, which some riders believed was good luck and would lead to a good race.
It is similar in usage to the word "congratulations!" and conveys roughly, "I am pleased this good thing has happened to you!". [7] A common Hebrew phrase for wishing "good luck" is b'hatzlacha (בהצלחה), literally meaning "with success". [8] Throughout the Jewish world, including the diaspora, "mazel tov!"
An alternate operatic good luck charm originating from Italy is the phrase In bocca al lupo! (In the mouth of the wolf) with the response Crepi! or Crepi il lupo! (May it [the wolf] die!). Amongst actors "Break a leg" is the usual phrase, while for professional dancers the traditional saying is merde (French, meaning "shit").
Bringing a pet (dog, cat...) on a theatrical stage set or film set or photoshoot is considered to bring bad luck to any production. “A pet on set is bad luck”. Some words and phrases are used during pre-stage warm-up sessions by actors. One of these is the Western Shoshone term "poo-wa-bah" (possibly meaning "doctor-water").
Phrase Hebrew script Translation Pronunciation Language Explanation Mazal tov / Mazel tov: מַזָּל טוֹב good luck/congratulations [maˈzal tov] [ˈmazəl tɔv] Hebrew/Yiddish Used to mean congratulations. Used in Hebrew (mazal tov) or Yiddish. Used on to indicate good luck has occurred, ex. birthday, bar mitzvah, a new job, or an ...
For example, break a leg is an expression commonly said to wish a person good luck just prior to their giving a performance or presentation, which apparently wishes injury on them. However, the phrase likely comes from a loan translation from a phrase of German and Yiddish origin, which is why it makes no literal sense in English.