break a leg
Meaning
A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or presentation.
Origin
From theater superstition: directly saying “good luck” was thought to jinx a performance, so performers used an ironic or opposite phrase instead. One theory links it to bowing so much you “break” the leg line at the curtain.
Notes
Friendly, informal encouragement, especially before performances, auditions, presentations, or interviews. It’s deliberately ironic; not about injury. Use with care if talking to someone actually hurt or sensitive to injuries.
Examples
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Break a leg tonight—your opening performance is going to be amazing.
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I know you’re nervous about the interview, but break a leg!
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Break a leg on stage; the audience is really excited to see you.
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Text me after your audition, and break a leg in the meantime.
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Everyone at the office told her to break a leg before her big presentation.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed imperative phrase: “Break a leg!” Usually unchanged; can be reported as “He told me to break a leg.” Rarely takes articles or plural (“break legs” is non-idiomatic). Often stands alone.
Synonyms
- good luck
- best of luck
- knock 'em dead
- you'll do great
Antonyms
- bad luck
- good luck (said directly)