break a leg
idiom/breɪk ə lɛɡ/
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Break a leg is a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. Despite sounding negative, it's a well-meant encouragement rooted in theatre superstition — saying 'good luck' directly was believed to bring bad luck.
📖 Meanings
1good luck (used especially before a performance or important event)
"Break a leg at the audition today!" — Good luck at the audition today!
2do your best, perform brilliantly
"You've rehearsed so much — just break a leg out there." — You've practiced so much — just go and do great.
🔄 Related phrases
💬 Common patterns
break a leg atjust break a legbreak a leg tonight
❓ Your friend is about to perform on stage. What do you say?