Theatre
Break a leg
Meaning
A superstitious way to wish ‘good luck’ to an actor before a performance while avoiding saying ‘good luck’ out loud, which is considered unlucky.
Examples
People often said ‘break a leg’ to Olivier, but he didn’t really need it.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
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Dry run
Meaning
A rehearsal.
Examples
We need more practice. Let’s have another dry run.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?
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Flea pit
Meaning
A downmarket cinema – allegedly verminous.
Examples
When we were kids we used to go to the local flea pit every saturday to watch B-movies.
Where did it originate?
Britain, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Hocus pocus
Meaning
A term used to denote magic or trickery.
Examples
He claimed to have evidence of the Loch Ness Monster, but it turned out to be a lot of hocus pocus.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century.
Where is it used?
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Last but not least
Meaning
An introduction, intended to let the audience know that the last person mentioned is not the least important.
Examples
We’ve heard from Paul McCartney and George Clooney, and now, least but not least, Marlon Brando.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century.
Where is it used?
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Steal someones thunder
Meaning
Take the credit for something someone else did.
Examples
Joseph Swan had the first working lightbulb but Edison filed the first patent and effectively stole Swan’s thunder.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 18th century. From a reference to the machines used in theatres to make the sound of thunder.
Where is it used?
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