You don't need to be part of the entertainment industry to understand the appropriate phrase to share with actors just before they step onto the stage. It’s not about wishing them "have a great performance?" Not at all. And "good luck" is definitely off-limits! Instead, we consistently wish them to “break a leg." This expression might seem odd, but you likely grasp its intent. common saying means, but where does break a leg come from ?
As an experienced copy editor, I have become somewhat of a detective when it comes to words. Therefore, it was only natural for me to be intrigued by break a leg I consulted with two linguistics experts to delve into the history and development of this term. frequently used idiom Continue reading to discover the full history including the origin of the word. break a leg To understand why we employ it in a theatrical environment.
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What does break a leg mean?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), break a leg It was originally and primarily theatrical jargon used to express good wishes to someone (especially an actor) prior to their performance.
Even though it may come across as pessimistic, the expression is intended as motivation, especially within the realms of theater, music, and various performing arts. When employing this phrase, slang phrase , you're hoping for someone’s success—while avoiding the actual phrase "good luck."
What does the background information on this topic look like? break a leg ?
It appears that actors tend to be quite superstitious, and wishing someone "good luck" within the confines of a theater is actually thought to bring bad fortune. Hence, what’s the origin of this expression? break a leg originated? As far back as 1925 (according to the OED), break a leg turned into an effective solution to evade misfortune.
What baffles linguists isn't primarily where this phrase originated as why What led performers to begin expressing wishes for bodily injury upon each other? This phrase is "obscure [and] enigmatic," both in terms of its significance and where it came from, according to Michael Adams, PhD, an English and linguistics professor at Indiana University. He adds, "Why would you instruct someone stepping onto the stage to break a leg? Clearly, this cannot be taken literally; such a wish would be horrendous."
Where does break a leg come from?
There is a saying in German, Hals- und Beinbruch ," explains Laurel Brinton, PhD, an Emeritus Professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Despite this, the OED does not directly connect that expression to break a leg She notes that the first illustration provided by the dictionary reads, "You might say 'I hope you break a leg, or your neck, or some similar ill wish.'"
“There might be some correlation with this German expression,” suggests Brinton. Further evidence supporting a possible linkage includes the fact that the German phrase served as a blessing during hunts and later in theatrical performances.
Break a leg Its origins might trace back even farther: Certain experts think that the German phrase could be rooted in the Hebrew blessing. hatzlakha u-brakha , which means “success and blessing.”
What are the underlying theories for its application?
"There are numerous misconceptions regarding the origin of idioms, and this scenario is no exception," Brinton states. Certainly, linguists might offer various hypotheses concerning the background of these phrases. break a leg , yet she mentions that "these are merely theories." Below are a few examples:
- In ancient Greece, audience members expressed approval by stamping their feet; however, stamping too vigorously could potentially result in breaking their legs.
- If an actor did a good job, they would twist (or snap) their leg to take a bow at the conclusion of the performance.
- After witnessing an excellent performance, people in the audience during Elizabethan times would toss coins onto the stage, forcing actors to bow—or even stoop low enough to potentially strain their legs—while picking them up.
- In theater settings, the side drapes that surround the stage are referred to as legs. An actor would move beyond these curtains, or "break a leg," when taking their bow during a curtain call.
- When John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln, he injured his leg—but, as Brinton points out, this misfortune didn’t benefit either individual.
Despite the origin of break a leg , this slang phrase That which began in theaters has become widespread. "At some point, slang was not as much a part of public communication but rather an under-the-radar form of expression for marginalized groups," explains Adams. "What's intriguing about phrases such as" break a leg It serves as a reminder—something we frequently overlook in contemporary American celebrity culture—that actors were considered disreputable figures, and the theater was seen as an unconventional pursuit.
Can you use break a leg For every kind of performance?
Since break a leg Originating from the theater industry, this term primarily applies to performers such as actors, singers, and dancers. can Use this phrase in different scenarios—like talking to an athlete before a major game or encouraging your child before an important exam—but you can apply similar approaches beyond just performances.
The phrase good luck Is deemed unlucky solely in theatrical settings, so feel free to utilize it elsewhere without reservation.
What should you say when someone tells you to "break a leg"?
Although advising an actor to break a leg isn’t seem Like a good thing, this one stands. The appropriate responses to such kind greetings should be "Thank you" and "I hope so." However, for a more lighthearted touch, you might add "Here’s hoping" or "We'll see about that."
What are some alternatives for break a leg ?
Don’t wish to utilize the standard choice in the theatrical industry slang phrase Here are twelve alternative phrases to wish someone well whether they're performing onstage or not.
- Bring the house down!
- Crush it!
- Do great out there!
- Do your thing!
- Give it your all.
- Go for it!
- Knock ’em dead.
- Make them cheer!
- Own the moment.
- Shine bright!
- Steal the show!
- You’ve got this!
What occurs if you utter "good luck" inside a theater?
The key point is to avoid tempting fate for a performer. good-luck wishes On opening night, however, what occurs if somebody says that ill-fated "good luck" expression? Supposedly, to neutralize the negative energy, the person has to exit the theater, spin around thrice, spit, swear, and subsequently rap on the door to gain readmittance.
What are some additional theater-related taboos?
The theatrical industry is brimming with superstitions Beyond merely using "break a leg" as an alternative to "good luck." Below are some additional phrases:
- Don’t whistle backstage.
- Avoid saying "Macbeth" in a theater (except when you're performing that play); refer to it as the Scottish Play instead.
- Steer clear of peacock feathers (along with their distinctive "evil eye" design) on stage.
- Avoid using mirrors onstage as they might summon evil entities.
- Keep a light on whenever the theater stands vacant to deter spirits.
- Don't present flowers to a performer prior to the show; wait until after it has finished.
Show some kindness to the actors in your circle by memorizing these theatrical mistakes to avoid. Whenever someone wishes you to "break a leg," understand that it means they're cheering for your triumph—so aim to steer clear of taking it too seriously!
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Sources:
- Michael Adams , a professor specializing in English and linguistics at Indiana University Bloomington; telephone interview conducted on January 31, 2025
- Laurel Brinton , who served as a professor emerita at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada; telephone interview conducted on January 31, 2025
- Oxford English Dictionary : “Leg”
- Phrase Finder : “Break a leg”
- Lamar University's Division of Theatre & Dance Top Five Theater Superstitions
- Broadway Direct : “13 Theater Superstitions”
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