What it means
A classic way to say good luck, especially to someone about to go on stage or do anything nerve‑wracking. It comes from theatre superstition that directly wishing luck might jinx the performance, so you say something mock-horrible instead. It’s usually meant warmly, like a little ritual before the spotlight hits. Bonus points if it’s said with a grin and a clap on the shoulder.
Usage examples
"Curtain’s up in two, mate. You’ll smash it. Break a leg, yeah? Grab your props and don’t fluff your lines like last night."
"Break a leg out there tonight, you've rehearsed this a hundred times."
"She had her big interview this morning, so I texted her a quick break a leg."
Where it comes from
A theatre superstition: wishing someone good luck outright was thought to jinx the show, so actors swapped in this mock-grim line instead. The reverse-psychology charm caught on, and now break a leg is the warm thing you say before anyone faces a nervy moment.
Editors of this term
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