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Idioms & Expressions
Break a leg
Wishing luck, particularly in theater where 'good luck' is considered bad luck
Literal Meaning
To cause a fracture in the bone of the leg; to break the leg bone.
Actual Meaning
Good luck! - especially said to performers before a show
Examples in Context

Before audition: 'Break a leg out there!' (Translation: Good luck!)

Helpful Tips
  • 1Origins in theater superstition
  • 2Never say 'good luck' to performers
  • 3Ironic phrase meaning the opposite
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
good luck
best wishes
give it your all
may the odds be in your favor
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