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This expression is one of many used those involved in live theatre. Theatrical folk are traditionally superstitious. They don't want to say "good luck" because that may bring bad luck, so "break a leg" is the order of the day. Another theatre superstition is one surrounding Shakespeare's "Macbeth" which is set in Scotland. Theatre folk will not mention the name of that play within a theatre for fear it will bring bad luck, unless it is spoken as a line in Macbeth. It is usually referred to as "that Scottish play".
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoIf you mean as in telling an actor, "Break a leg" before a performance, well, it is a reference to the superstition that is tradition in the performing arts. Wishing faux ill to someone is a way to bid them good luck without jinxing them. It is considered bad form to wish luck to an actor pre-performance, much as it is considered bad luck to mention the name of Shakespeare's Scotish play in a theater.
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Is there an equivalent of 'break a leg' for artists' exhibition?
i don't see why not... try "break a brush"
Why do actors say break a leg instead of good luck in the theatre?
the reason why the actors say break a leg instead of good luck, is because actors usually go off in films and all sorts, and in some films they sort of break parts of their body, and its part of their saying, so that's why actors say break a leg.
What is the traditonal way to wish an actor good luck?
Break a leg!
In the movie twilight did James break Bella leg with his hand or foot at the ballet studio?
With his hand.
Break a leg gorgeous in French?
Break a leg is "merde" or "je vous/te dis merde". Vous for someone with whom one is less familiar, te for a friend. The gorgeous part is a question of gender "mon beau" for a man, "ma belle" for a woman."Je vous/te dis merde, ma belle/mon beau" or, simply, "Merde, ma belle/mon beau." (Break a leg, my pretty.)
What does the term break a leg really mean?
In the theater," break a leg," is a well wish for a great show.
Which term is used to wish a stage performer good luck?
In engish - Break a leg; In french - merde
What is a square leg in cricket?
square leg is a term used in cricket
What is the origin of break a leg?
stonewall Jackson told the army to break their legs to retreat I was under the impression that it came from an old vaudeville superstition that it was unlucky to wish anyone "good luck" on opening night, so the phrase "break a leg" became a show-biz slang term, meaning good luck.
What is a limbs?
A limb is a term used for an arm or leg.
What is the term used for describing the bending of an arm or leg?
The bending of an arm or leg is called flexion.
What are some different meanings of the catch phrase 'break a leg'?
"Break a Leg" is an old show business term. It just basically means to give it your all. Leave nothing behind and be the best possible talent there is.
In which sport is the term 'square leg' used?
the answer is cricket :p
How do you brack a leg?
There are many ways to break a leg. You can break a leg by falling down the stairs, or by being in a car accident. If you do break your leg, you will need to go to the hospital and have surgery.
What is a leg in geometry?
A "leg" is the term used in geometry to describe the two sides that are equal in length in an isosceles triangle.
What is a beachie?
A beachie is another term for a beach break, a term used in surfing for a place where waves break at a beach.
What is the medical term meaning a brace that is worn to improve the function of a leg?
A leg orthosis is the general term for a brace used to improve the leg's function.
