Idioms · 6 entries
A superstitious way to wish 'good luck' to an actor before a performance while avoiding saying 'good luck' out loud, which is considered unlucky.
USA, 20th century.
USA, mid-20th century.
Britain, mid 20th century.
Britain, 17th century.
Britain, 16th century.
Britain, early 18th century. From a reference to the machines used in theatres to make the sound of thunder.
Entry 1
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.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 2
Meaning A rehearsal.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 3
Meaning A downmarket cinema - allegedly verminous.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 4
Meaning A term used to denote magic or trickery.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 5
Meaning An introduction, intended to let the audience know that the last person mentioned is not the least important.
Usage Worldwide.
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Entry 6
Meaning Take the credit for something someone else did.
Usage Worldwide.
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