Quick answer: “Break a leg” means good luck — especially used before a performance or important event.
Break a leg is an informal expression used to wish someone good luck before a performance, exam, interview, or other important event. Despite its odd literal meaning, it is wholly positive and encouraging. It is a way of saying "I hope you do brilliantly" in the language of theatre superstition.
Meaning
"Break a leg" is one of the most recognisable English idioms because its literal meaning is so surprising. You would never normally wish physical harm on someone as a form of encouragement, which is exactly why the phrase stands out and is easy to remember once you understand it. It functions exactly like "good luck" but carries the flavour of theatrical tradition.
Although born in the theatre world, "break a leg" has spread well beyond it. Today it is commonly used before job interviews, important presentations, sporting competitions, music performances, comedy shows, and any situation where someone is about to step into a high-pressure or public-facing moment.
Origin and History
The phrase is rooted in theatre superstition. Actors and stage workers have long believed that saying "good luck" before a performance invites the opposite — bad luck. This belief in the power of the "evil eye" or of jinxes is ancient and common across many cultures. The solution was to say the opposite of what you meant: wishing bad luck (a broken leg) was supposed to result in good luck.
Alternative theories suggest the phrase relates to the "leg line" — the side curtain of a stage — and that "breaking the leg line" meant stepping onto the stage, i.e., getting the chance to perform. Another theory connects it to bowing deeply (breaking the straight line of the leg) after a standing ovation. The phrase became widely used in English-language theatre from the early 20th century onwards. Idioms like this are the kind of expression documented in general reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which record how figurative meanings develop in everyday English.
Examples in Context
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| "Break a leg tonight!" her director called as she stepped onto the stage. | Theatre, pre-performance |
| Before his job interview, his flatmates texted him "break a leg!" | Career, encouragement |
| She told the entire choir "break a leg" before their competition. | Music, group performance |
| "Break a leg in there," he whispered outside the exam hall. | Education, pre-exam |
| The comedian posted "just about to go on — break a leg to all the acts tonight!" to social media. | Stand-up, backstage |
| They all shouted "break a leg!" as she walked into the pitch meeting with the investors. | Business, high-stakes presentation |
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
Break a leg on your test yesterday!
Break a leg on your test tomorrow! — The phrase is used before an event, not after. Once the event is over, say "well done!" or "congratulations!" instead.
Break both legs in your interview!
Break a leg in your interview! — The fixed phrase is "break a leg" (singular). Variations like "break both legs" change or negate the idiom.
She said "break a leg" to the surgeon before the operation.
Use "break a leg" in performance, exam, and competition contexts. In medical or genuinely physical-risk situations, the literal meaning creates confusion — use "good luck" or "all the best" instead.
A Short Dialogue
Stage manager: "Five minutes to curtain, everyone."
Lead actor: "Right. Is everyone ready?"
Ensemble: "Break a leg tonight!"
Lead actor: "You too, all of you. Let's give them something to remember."
Practice
Similar Idioms
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Break a leg
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Break a leg” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “"_____ tonight!" her director called as she stepped onto the stage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "break a leg" mean?
"Break a leg" is an informal way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance, an exam, a job interview, or any important event. Despite sounding harmful, it is entirely positive and encouraging.
Where does "break a leg" come from?
The most widely accepted origin is theatre superstition. Actors believed that saying "good luck" would bring bad luck. So they said the opposite — "break a leg" — to wish success while avoiding the jinx.
Can you give an example of "break a leg" in a sentence?
"Break a leg tonight — I know you've been rehearsing for weeks!" Another: "She texted all her friends 'break a leg!' before their band's first public concert."
Is "break a leg" formal or informal?
It is informal and friendly. Most commonly used in the performing arts, it has spread to exams, interviews, competitions, and presentations. It is not suitable for formal written communication.
What CEFR level is "break a leg"?
B1. The phrase is easy to learn and widely encountered in films, TV, and everyday English conversation. Its meaning is opaque from the words alone, but cultural exposure makes it very familiar to intermediate learners.
Is "break a leg" positive or negative?
It is entirely positive. Despite the apparently violent image, it is a warm, encouraging expression of goodwill. It is used to motivate and reassure someone before a challenging moment.
What are common mistakes with "break a leg"?
Using it after the event rather than before, saying "break both legs" (which is not a standard form), and using it in medical or genuinely dangerous contexts where the literal meaning creates confusion.
What idioms are similar to "break a leg"?
Similar expressions of good luck include "fingers crossed", "all the best", "knock 'em dead", "go get 'em", and "you've got this". In German, "Hals und Beinbruch" is an equivalent theatrical superstition.
Can "break a leg" be used in writing?
Yes, in informal texts, emails to friends, social media posts, and casual notes before performances. For formal writing, use "good luck", "I wish you every success", or "best of luck" instead.
How do I practise idioms like "break a leg"?
The best way is to use it naturally. Next time a friend has a performance, exam, or presentation, message them "break a leg!" and explain what it means if they ask. LexFizz Flash Cards can also help you recall theatrical idioms quickly.