Do you ever realize how many odd idioms are used in everyday conversations? Such as “quit cold turkey,” “spill the beans,” “knock on wood,” and “take it with a grain of salt.” And of course “Break a leg. Now, this specific phrase—”people wish harm on others”—must sound rather unusual to non-native English speakers. Don’t worry, though—that’s simply another peculiar and fascinating English idiom. In actuality, this idiom is used to wish individuals luck before a performance, particularly actors.
Finding out about the meaning, origin, and history of this idiom is very interesting. If you’re curious to find out more about this particular idiom that’s so frequent, keep reading. We will also mention some examples of comparable idioms and explain when and where to use the phrase “Break a Leg,” all of which will significantly enhance and teach you how to speak English.
Break a leg meaning
In the realm of theater and other performing arts, the English idiom “Break a Leg” is to wish actors “Good Luck.” It’s tradition to tell entertainers this before they take the stage. This statement has become so common that it is using outside of the theater, even though it may seem more like a threat than a supporting remark.
However, Playbill says that’s not the sole answer. According to Playbill a contrary idea, the “leg” in question is a curtain hanging in the wings, therefore “breaking” it would mean making it onto the stage. Another interpretation goes back even further to Elizabethan England when performers would bend down to pick up their winnings after they “broke” a leg line. This practice was a way for viewers to express gratitude to the performers.
Origin of break a leg
Many speculations are encompassing when, and where precisely this expression originated.
1. Origin in ancient times:
Some accept that it began in old Greece, where individuals stepped their feet as opposed to praising toward the finish of an exhibition, and if they stepped long, and hard enough they’d break a leg.
2. Origin in theaters:
A well-known hypothesis is that it began in the mid-twentieth hundred years, in the American theater local area. A superstitious group of people thought that if you wished somebody “best of luck” it would bring the entertainer misfortune, so they chose to tell each other to “break a leg” That way the inverse would occur – the entertainer would give an excellent performance.
3. Origin in other language:
Some people think that the phrase originated from related phrases in other languages, such as the German phrase “Hals und Beinbruch,” which translates to “neck and leg break.” or “Hatzlakha u-brake,” which translates to “success and blessing” in Hebrew.
4. The Leg Line:
One more well-known hypothesis is that it alludes to entertainers breaking the “leg line” referenced prior. Outfit entertainers would line behind this line in the early theater days, with expectations of calling upon to perform. On the off chance that you weren’t called up to the stage, you’d stay behind the “leg line” and wouldn’t get compensated. In this way, entertainers would tell each other to “break a leg” – meaning they would wish their kindred entertainers good luck in their role and their chance to compensate.
How to use “Break a Leg” Phrase in conversation:
Now that we have been aware of different hypothesis theories including their history and origin. Let’s learn how to use this “Break a Leg” phrase in our everyday conversation.
- Sam’s family wished him to “Break a leg” right before his singing performance.
- I heard today is your board exam “Break a leg”!
- You all look beautiful in this fashion competition costume “Break a leg”!
- Tell Riana to “Break a Leg” at her dance competition.
- I know you can ace the interview “Break a leg”!
There are several different phrases in English that, are similar to “break a leg”. It could sound unusual or even fierce yet has a sweet and caring importance behind it.
To wish an entertainer or performer the best of luck on the stage, there are end number of ways. Then saying “Break a leg.” The following are a couple of comparative theater phrases to utilize:
1. Toi toi toi
It is an articulation to utilize in the performing expressions to wish a craftsman progress in an up-and-coming execution. It is like “breaking a leg” and mirrors a notion that wishing somebody the “best of luck” is truth be told misfortune.
2. Chookas
It’s a particularly Australian articulation. In this artists and entertainers tell each other behind the stage similarly as the presentation is going to start. It freely translates as break a leg or best of luck, however, the beginnings of the word are seldom pondered as it has passed into the regular language.
3. In bocca al lupo
It’s an Italian phrase which means (Into the wolf’s mouth). As per this understanding, the phrase ‘in bocca al lupo! ‘ is intended to be a wish for security, thriving, and the potential for extraordinary things by being protected in the mouth of the wolf.
Conclusion
As of now we have understood the break a leg meaning. Whether you’re an entertainer holding back from making that big appearance, an understudy going to compose a test, or just somebody anxiously hanging tight for a new job, the phrase “break a leg” intends to bring you the best of luck as you currently know what “Break a leg” truly implies!
This article has additionally given different expressions and words used to wish somebody the best of luck.