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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.
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").
Mazel tov is literally translated as "good luck" in its meaning as a description, not a wish. The implicit meaning is "good luck has occurred" or "your fortune has been good" and the expression is an acknowledgement of that fact. It is similar in usage to the word "congratulations!"
That said, you can use it in all sorts of contexts—before a big date or an important meeting—to wish someone good luck. Related: 100 Totally Weird Words (Like 'Argle-Bargle') That'll Expand ...
In America, it is considered bad luck to wish someone "good luck" in a theatre. Prior to performances, it is traditional for the cast to gather together to avert the bad luck by wishing each other bad luck or cursing, the expression "break a leg" replaces the phrase "good luck".
Back in the 1930s, ordering a dog soup would get you a tall glass of good ol' water. Considering that the slang originated during the Great Depression, it makes perfect sense.
While slang is usually inappropriate for formal settings, this assortment includes well-known expressions from that time, with some still in use today, e.g., blind date, cutie-pie, freebie, and take the ball and run. [2] These items were gathered from published sources documenting 1920s slang, including books, PDFs, and websites.
Born right smack on the cusp of millennial and Gen Z years (ahem, 1996), I grew up both enjoying the wonders of a digital-free world—collecting snail shells in my pocket and scraping knees on my ...