How do you use the idiom break a leg?
The idiom ‘Break a leg’ is usually used in theater to wish good luck to actors before they go up on stage. Example of use: “Danny’s family told him to “break a leg” right before he went up on stage.”
What is break a leg an example of?
“Break a leg” means “good luck!” It comes from superstitious actors in the theatre where it is considered bad luck to wish an actor a good luck before they go onstage. Therefore, by saying break a leg, they are actually wishing somebody luck in an ironic way.
Do your best and break a leg?
(A special theatrical way of wishing a performer good luck. Saying “good luck” is considered by actors to be a jinx.) “Break a leg!” shouted the stage manager to the heroine. Let’s all go and do our best.
What do you say instead of break a leg?
What is another word for break a leg?
| all the best | best of British |
|---|---|
| take care | lots of luck |
| lotsa luck | God be with you |
| Godspeed | come on |
| MTFBWY | may the Force be with you |
What is another way to say good luck?
Seven Ways to Say “Good Luck” in English
- Good luck!
- Break a leg!
- Knock ’em dead!
- Blow them away!
- Best of luck!
- You’ll do great!
- Fingers crossed!
Is Break a leg a metaphor or idiom?
“Break a leg” is a typical English idiom used in the context of theatre or other performing arts to wish a performer “good luck”.
Do you say good luck or break a leg to dancers?
One of the most common is never to say “good luck” before a show, since everyone knows uttering the phrase is, in fact, very bad luck. Actors say “break a leg” instead. But since that phrase isn’t exactly dance-friendly, you and your dance friends probably tell each other “merde” before taking the stage.
Is break a leg a metaphor or idiom?
Do your best similar idioms?
10 Things to Say Instead of “Do Your Best”
- I know you’ll do a great job.
- Let me know what resources you need to accomplish this.
- We have a strict deadline for X.
- Let me know what help you need to get this project done.
- I know you’re concerned that you lack the skills to do this, but I know you can figure it out.
Where did the saying “break a leg” come from?
The term ‘break a leg’ appears to come from the belief that one ought not to utter the words ‘good luck’ to an actor. By wishing someone bad luck, it is supposed that the opposite will occur.
Why do people tell actors to “break a leg”?
People say ‘break a leg’ before a performance because they want your performance to be so good that you could do what that actor did and, metaphorically, come right up to the edge safe knowing that the audience enjoyed your performance so much that they wouldn’t harm you.
What is the origin of the phrase break a leg?
“Break a leg” is an idiom in theatre used to wish a performer “good luck” in an ironic way. Well-wishers typically say “Break a leg” to actors and musicians before they go on stage to perform. The origin of the phrase remains obscure.
What does the expression break a leg mean?
The expression reflects a theatrical superstition in which wishing a person “good luck” is considered bad luck. The expression is sometimes used outside the theatre as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use. In a time when performers would queue for an opportunity to perform and were only paid if they did perform, to “break a leg” meant the performer crossed the line onto the stage and would therefore get paid.