Phrase Finder

Break a leg

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.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

Hear the idiom spoken

More idioms about

How the idiom originated

Browse more Idioms

About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Break a leg

Idioms

A-Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ

Categories

AdageAgreementAmericaAnimalsAphorismAustralian originBiblicalBlueBodyBrass tacksBuildingBusinessChildhoodChildrenClicheClockClothesCockney rhyming slangColourComedyConflictCountryCrimeDanceDateDeathDisgustDrinkEducationEffortEmotionEuphemismExcellenceExcessFailureFamilyFirst worldFoodFrenchFruitGreek originHabitHairHappinessHonestyHousehold itemsHyperboleLanguageLatinLegalLocationLuckMadnessMedicalMilitaryMisfortuneMoneyMusicNameNatureNauticalNonsenseNumberPatiencePlaceProverbProverbialReduplicationRelaxationReligionRiskScienceSecretsSexShakespeareSlangSportStupiditySuccessSurpriseTechnologyThe human bodyTheatreTimeToolTravelTrickeryVehicleWaterWeatherWork

Suggest a new idiom