Break a leg

Дата публикации: Jul 30, 2015 5:55:50 PM

"Break a leg" is an idiom in theatre used to wish a performer "good luck" in an ironic way. Well-wishers typically say "Break a leg" to actors and musicians before they go on stage to perform.

The expression reflects a theatrical superstition in which wishing a person "good luck" is considered bad luck.

The expression is sometimes used outside the theatre as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use. Among professional dancers, the traditional saying is not "break a leg," but "merde"

break a leg - figuratively

vs.

break your leg - literally