Before knowing the meaning of break a leg, let me tell you something very clearly. When someone tells you break a leg, it doesn't mean that they want you to break your leg and end up on a hospital bed. They actually are indirectly wishing you, Good Luck. So the meaning of break a leg is "Good Luck".
Origin of break a leg:
"Break a leg" originated in America, probably in the 1920s and this phrase was initially used in theaters (musical theaters) where actors and other artists perform on the stage. Performers tend to get nervous while performing in front of a big crowd. So, when, someone is telling them Good Luck before their performance, it actually might make them feel more nervous. That is why, people say "Break A Leg". Also, some people feel that wishing someone Good Luck might actually bring bad luck. So, it is better to use an indirect phrase if you feel that your mouth has this lovely curse.
Doesn't break a leg sound violent?
Haha! Actually in English, sometimes when phrases are taken literally, it might sound violent. It might even sound awkward. We live in a world where people often use acronyms like ROFL, LOL, LMAO, etc. All these acronyms if imagined visually, will definitely look awkward. So, get over your literal understanding of stuff.
Why break a leg is used?
Though the meaning of break a leg is good luck, there is a logic behind using this phrase. You now know that this phrase originated in theaters to wish the performers Good Luck. Break a leg is used because, it indirectly means, that the performer standing on the stage has to do their absolute best that should make their legs break. It means that the performer has to perform to the best of their potential. Imagine that you are telling a dancer, break a leg before their performance. It means that you want the dancer to dance so fiercely making wild and awesome movements with their legs.
Origin of break a leg:
"Break a leg" originated in America, probably in the 1920s and this phrase was initially used in theaters (musical theaters) where actors and other artists perform on the stage. Performers tend to get nervous while performing in front of a big crowd. So, when, someone is telling them Good Luck before their performance, it actually might make them feel more nervous. That is why, people say "Break A Leg". Also, some people feel that wishing someone Good Luck might actually bring bad luck. So, it is better to use an indirect phrase if you feel that your mouth has this lovely curse.
Doesn't break a leg sound violent?
Haha! Actually in English, sometimes when phrases are taken literally, it might sound violent. It might even sound awkward. We live in a world where people often use acronyms like ROFL, LOL, LMAO, etc. All these acronyms if imagined visually, will definitely look awkward. So, get over your literal understanding of stuff.
Why break a leg is used?
Though the meaning of break a leg is good luck, there is a logic behind using this phrase. You now know that this phrase originated in theaters to wish the performers Good Luck. Break a leg is used because, it indirectly means, that the performer standing on the stage has to do their absolute best that should make their legs break. It means that the performer has to perform to the best of their potential. Imagine that you are telling a dancer, break a leg before their performance. It means that you want the dancer to dance so fiercely making wild and awesome movements with their legs.
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