Who invented the phrase break a leg? (2024)

Who invented the phrase break a leg?

The first mention of “Break a leg” was recorded in print by Robert Wilson Lynd in 1921. An urbane literary essayist, he wrote an article, “A Defence of Superstition,” about the prevalence of superstition in the theatre and horse racing.

What is the origin of break your leg?

Superstition against wishing an actor Good Luck! has led to the adoption of this phrase in its place. Popular etymology derives the phrase from the 1865 assassination of Abraham Lincoln. John Wilkes Booth, the actor turned assassin, leapt to the stage of Ford's Theater after the murder, breaking his leg in the process.

What is the history of breaking a leg?

The phrase is believed to be rooted in the theatre community, which is known to be a bit superstitious. Performers believed saying “good luck” would actually bring bad luck on stage, so they'd tell one another to “break a leg” instead. That way, the opposite would happen.

What does the slang 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.

Where did the phrase get a leg up come from?

It was originally to do with mounting a horse. You would get someone (whether a servant or a friend) to cup their hands, so you could get your leg part way up the horse, while resting on their hands. This is way easier than trying to jump onto a horse from the ground.

When was the idiom break a leg invented?

Though the term likely originates in German, the English expression is first attributed in the 1930s or possibly 1920s, originally documented without specifically theatrical associations. Among professional dancers, the traditional saying is not "break a leg", but the French word "merde".

Why is good luck break a leg?

The term “break a leg” may be traced back to the Elizabethan language. To “break a leg”, in Shakespeare's time, meant, literally, to bow- by bending at the knee. Since a successful actor would “break a leg” onstage and receive applause, the phrase would, in effect, be a wish for good luck.

What is the scientific name for broken leg?

A broken leg (leg fracture) is a break or crack in one of the bones in your leg.

What is a broken leg called?

A broken leg (leg fracture) will be severely painful and may be swollen or bruised. You usually will not be able to walk on it.

What does break a leg mean Oxford dictionary?

break a leg! ​(informal) used to wish somebody good luck, especially to an actor before they go on stage.

Why can't you say good luck to an actor?

A person is never supposed to wish an actor “good luck,” but instead they are supposed to say “Break a leg!” Though it may seem maudlin to do so, many theater folk believe there are mischief-making spirits of the stage who use their magic to force the opposite of what you wish to happen.

Do Americans say break a leg?

While most Americans are familiar with theater phrases like “break a leg,” it is derived from an old theatrical tradition that dates back to the 20th century. The term was originally used to wish an actor or performer good luck on stage during a performance.

What is the old timey slang for legs?

Gams and Dogs: 1920s Slang for Legs and Feet

There are two lines of thought about the origin of the word “gams” referring to legs. One traces it to the Italian word “gamba,” meaning leg.

What is a leg up in British slang?

to help someone to improve their situation, especially at work.

Where does the expression pay an arm and a leg come from?

The origin of the expression 'an arm and a leg' is from 1940's America. The earliest written example comes from a December 1949 edition of The Long Beach Independent: “Food Editor Beulah Karney has more than 10 ideas for the homemaker who wants to say “Merry Christmas” and not have it cost her an arm and a leg.”

Where does the phrase hold your horses come from?

This idiom originates from horseback riding and horse-drawn carriages. The rider or driver holds the ropes and reins that are used to slow the horses down and direct them. The idiom “hold your horses” tells someone to slow down and think about what they're doing before they complete an action.

What do you say to an actor before a performance?

Say "break a leg" instead of "good luck."

Why is it bad luck to say "good luck" to an actor? Some thespians believe there are theatre ghosts or fairies who like to cause mischief by making the opposite of what you want to have happen occur.

How do you respond to break a leg?

In the United States, "break a leg" is an expression used in the theatre, and perhaps in other situations involving stage performances. It is actually a kind wish--an enthusiastic hope for a great performance and lots of applause. "Thank you" is the appropriate response.

Can you say break a leg for exam?

It would be "break a leg on your exam," but unless you were being a bit of a smartass, you wouldn't say "break a leg" in that context. That's mostly reserved for things related to the theater, as it's said to be bad luck to wish somebody good luck on stage.

What does cost an arm and a leg means?

phrase. If you say that something costs an arm and a leg, you mean that it is very expensive. [informal] A week at a health farm can cost an arm and a leg. Synonyms: a lot of money, a bomb [British, slang], a fortune, a pile [informal] More Synonyms of an arm and a leg.

How do you use break a leg?

The idiom 'Break a leg' is usually used in theater to wish good luck to actors before they go up on stage. Example of use: "Danny's family told him to "break a leg" right before he went up on stage."

What is the most painful bone to break?

Bone facts: The 5 most common broken bones are the humerus, the tibia, the ulna, the fibula, and the radius. Most painful break: That would be the femur bone. Top 5 causes of fractures is all sports, snowboarding, monkey bars, trampolines, and scooters.

What is a crack in a bone called?

A fracture is a break or a crack in a bone. A fracture occurs when force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone can structurally withstand. The most common sites for bone fractures are the wrist, ankle and hip.

Does it hurt to get pins removed from hand?

A special tool is used to take out the pins. It may hurt a little. There may be a tiny bit of blood. The pain will go away after the pins have been removed.

What is the big bone in your leg called?

The thigh bone, or femur, is the large upper leg bone that connects the lower leg bones (knee joint) to the pelvic bone (hip joint).