Have you ever been about to execute , only to have someone tell you tobreak a ramification ? That might vocalize unknown — or even a bit harsh . After all , who want a debilitating injury right before stepping on phase ?
But in the theater world , it ’s one of those snatch phrases that sound like one affair but actually signals theopposite . It ’s a way of wishing someone respectable fate .
rent ’s explore where " separate a leg"came from , what it means and how people use it today .
What Does ‘Break a Leg’ Mean?
" separate a stage " is a playful way of allege : " I go for you do great . "
you could say it to an actor or singer before a public presentation , as well as in everyday conversation to boost anyone who is about to undertake a challenge . For representative , you could say it to a educatee deal a grownup test or a friend interviewing for a job .
Theories Surrounding the Origins of ‘Break a Leg’
The origins how the term originated are mysterious , with a few popular theories excuse how it became associated withencouragement .
One account links it to superstitious notion that were more prevalent in the other daylight of theatre . the great unwashed consider that saying " good luck " directly was really considered bad portion , or jinx thegood lot . Some even consider that saying " secure chance " at once might attract evil spirits .
So when someone says the opposite , " break a leg , " they ’re actually wishing a performer the opposite : effective luck .
Some think the phrase come in from the German phrasal idiom " Hals - und Beinbruch , " which translates to " neck opening and leg severance " and also think of " well chance " in the house domain .
Breaking the Leg Line
There ’s another potential link to early American theater history . Some think the phrase " break a leg " refers to baffle the " leg occupation " on stage .
This was an unseeable stock fall apart the main stagecoach from the wings , where actors would expect to go on stage . When a performer crossed this line , they were formally visible to the interview and part of the show .
During music hall times , when some acts would get pulled if there was n’t enough time , it was n’t until the actors crossed that " branch line " that they would get paid . So they require to " break a leg ( line ) " to make a keep .
John Wilkes Booth
And last , dark theory links the gimmick set phrase to John Wilkes Booth . The actor - turn over - bravo who kill President Lincoln write in his journal that he break his peg while fleeing from the murder .
Though this connection is study a stretch in popular etymology , " recrudesce a leg " would refer to Booth jumping from the presidential box in the interview onto the phase after perpetrate the criminal offence . Somehow , this does n’t seem like a great way to bid someone luck .
How to Use ‘Break a Leg’ in Everyday Conversation
Here are some examples of how you might hear it usedin life .
Next time someone tells you to break off a leg , remember : They ’re actually hoping for a well - earned win , a utter account , ajob offerer a full sign of the zodiac wait to applaud your incredible operation .
We created this article in conjunction with AI applied science , then made sure it was fact - hold and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
