English idiom

break a leg

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

A way of wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance.

Why this phrase?

A theatrical superstition that wishing real luck brings bad luck.

Example

“You'll be great in the play tonight, so break a leg!”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

keep your fingers crossed

To hope strongly that something good will happen.

hang in there

to persevere and not give up despite difficulty

hit the jackpot

To gain a remarkably favorable result, usually unexpectedly or through luck.

keep your chin up

To stay cheerful and brave during a difficult time.

as luck would have it

By a fortunate coincidence, often introducing an unexpectedly helpful event.

by the skin of your teeth

By the narrowest possible margin; only just barely.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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