Idiom

Break a leg

What does "Break a leg" mean?

A superstitious way to wish 'good luck' to an actor before a performance while avoiding saying 'good luck' out loud, which is considered unlucky.

Break a leg

USA, 20th century.

A superstitious way to wish 'good luck' to an actor before a performance while avoiding saying 'good luck' out loud, which is considered unlucky.

Worldwide.

  • People often said 'break a leg' to Olivier, but he didn't really need it.