break a leg
/ˌbreɪk ə ˈleɡ/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
used to wish a performer good luck
Examples
- 1It's your first night on stage, so break a leg!
- 2Before the school concert, our music teacher smiled and told us to break a leg.
- 3We've got seats in the front row, so break a leg and enjoy every minute of the show.
- 4Priya's audition starts in five minutes, so text her and tell her to break a leg.
- 5Did anyone remember to wish the dancers luck and tell them to break a leg?
Grammar
A fixed wish in the imperative, often after so or to; break does not change form.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about the body
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →stick your neck outto take a risk by saying or doing something boldtwist your armto persuade someone to do something they are unwilling to doby the skin of your teethonly just, by a very small marginbury your head in the sandto refuse to think about an unpleasant problemkeep your head above waterto only just manage in a difficult situationgive someone the cold shoulderto ignore someone on purpose and be unfriendly
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
Here you get a couple of questions. The app gives you 16 practice modes, native equivalents and spaced repetition that tells you when it’s time to refresh.
