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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. Though a similar and ...
Some theater history buffs think "break a leg" might be a cousin of the German phrase "Hals- und Beinbruch," which means "neck and leg break." Others connect it to the Hebrew blessing "hatzlakha u ...
Amongst actors "Break a leg" is the usual phrase, while for professional dancers the traditional saying is merde (French, meaning "shit"). In Spanish, the phrase is mucha mierda , or "lots of shit", as in Portuguese (“muita merda”).
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.
The post Where Did the Phrase “Break a Leg” Come From? appeared first on Reader's Digest. Skip to main content. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 ...
Equivalent to the English actor's idiom "break a leg", the expression reflects a theatrical superstition in which wishing a person "good luck" is considered bad luck. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] The expression is commonly used in Italy off stage, as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use, and it can sometimes ...
In the world of theatre, putting shoes on a dressing room table is considered by some to bring the risk of a bad performance, just as "Break a leg!" is considered good luck. [2] Also described as an old wives' tale, the superstition may date back to medieval times. [3]
Break a leg is a well-known idiom in theatre which means "good luck". It may also refer to: Break a Leg, an American comedy web series "Break a Leg" (song) This page ...