breɪk ə leɡ
- Literally:
- To fracture one's leg
What does "break a leg" mean?
- A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance
- An expression of good wishes without tempting bad luck
Examples
- You're performing tonight? Break a leg!
- Break a leg at your job interview tomorrow!
- The whole cast said 'break a leg' before the curtain rose.
Origin
Theater superstition from the early 20th century. Saying 'good luck' directly was considered bad luck, so the opposite was said instead. Other theories link it to the 'leg' of theater curtains or the German phrase 'Hals- und Beinbruch.'
How to use it
Primarily used in performing arts but has extended to other contexts. Never say 'good luck' to actors—always 'break a leg.'
Similar expressions
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "break a leg" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.