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In theatre, it was considered bad luck to wish someone good luck before a performance. By telling them to "break a leg!", that was reversed- by wishing them bad luck, you would bring good luck. It has become a theatre tradition.
Bethel Grady
jkw8886
"Break a leg" is theatrical slang for "good luck."
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoAccording to stage actors, it means "good luck". Wishing faux ill to someone is a way to bid them good luck without jinxing them.
Telling an actor "break a leg" before a performance is a reference to a superstition that is tradition in the performing arts. It is considered bad form to wish luck to an actor pre-performance, much as it is considered bad luck to mention the name MacBeth in a theater (references are made instead to his "Scottish play"). Strangely, this superstition runs counter to another classic encouragement, the slang expression "knock 'em dead."
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoIn theatre, it was considered bad luck to wish someone good luck before a performance. By telling them to "break a leg!", that was reversed- by wishing them bad luck, you would bring good luck. It has become a theatre tradition.
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Define and give an example of an idiom?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically cannot be understood by the literal meanings of its individual words. For example, "break a leg" is an idiom used to wish someone good luck in a performance, but it does not literally mean to break a leg.
Where did the idiom an arm for a leg originate from?
This is not an idiom that I have ever heard. Perhaps you mean an arm AND a leg, which is an exaggerated way of saying something is really expensive.
What does the idiom break camp mean?
It's not an idiom. To break camp means to break it up, to pack your things and leave the area. It can be used as slang, however, to mean a group "packing up" and leaving.
Is break a leg an idiom?
Yes it is an idiom.. "break a leg" means "good luck".... if you want to know just watch the movie of high school musical part one... :P
Can you give a sentence using the idiom break a leg?
"Break a leg" is said to actors before they go onstage. It means "good luck". Examples: As they were going on stage I told him to break a leg but he slipped and he did, now he won't talk to me any more. "You'll do great, Nick," said Jeff. "Break a leg,"
What does the idiom to stretch your arms and legs mean?
This is not an idiom. It actually means to stretch your arms and legs. To take a break.
What does the term break a leg really mean?
In the theater," break a leg," is a well wish for a great show.
Does break a bone mean good luck?
No, the expression 'break a leg' means good luck. "Break a leg" means "good luck" among show business people, but it doesn't mean "break a bone in your leg"; it means "take a bow" (by bending a knee).
What does the idiom shake a leg mean?
It means.. Take action or Get going or Get moving or move quickerShake a leg means to hurry up. For example "Shake a leg we are already late for the game."
What is an idiom for the word advantage?
get a leg up on
Is daddy long leg an idiom?
No, "daddy long leg" is not an idiom. It refers to a type of arachnid with long, thin legs, also known as a harvestman.
I keep having a dream that i break my leg what does what mean?
It might mean you might end up like that or your leg(s) feel sore.
