Break a Leg: What This Idiom Means & How To Use It Correctly (2024)

What Does “Break a Leg” Mean?

Break a leg is a commonly used idiom that means “good luck.” Remember, an idiom is an expression that means something entirely different from the literal meaning of the words used. So, if someone tells you to break a leg, don’t worry; they’re just wishing you good luck.

Joan told me about your presentation. Break a leg!

“Break a Leg” Origin

No one knows exactly where and when the phrase break a leg originated. However, it is believed that the expression is rooted in theater. Performers believed that saying good luck would bring bad luck, so they would say break a leg instead.

“Break a Leg” Synonyms

There are a few other expressions you could use in place of break a leg:

Best of luck

Blow them away

Fingers crossed

Godspeed

Knock ‘em dead

Knock on wood

You got this

How To Use “Break a Leg” Correctly

Yes, break a leg means the same thing as good luck. However, it can’t always take the place of good luck.

As we already mentioned, you’ll come across the phrase break a leg often in theater and other types of performance art. But you can also hear it in everyday conversations.

Mom tells me you’re trying a new recipe today. Break a leg, brother.

However, if the mood or setting is solemn, serious, or in any way negative, saying break a leg might be considered objectionable.

For instance, if someone you know is going to undergo a serious and dangerous surgery, it would not be appropriate to say break a leg. Similarly, you wouldn’t want to tell someone who is about to compete in a sporting event to break a leg.

Reserve the idiom break a leg for positive or neutral occasions and scenarios.

English fluency requires that you learn and understand expressions like break a leg. It can be difficult, but with practice and familiarization, you’ll come to understand and use many idioms.

Another way to improve your English fluency is to use LanguageTool as your writing assistant. Its advanced technologies can steer you away from overused phrases and colloquialisms so that your writing can be pristine.