break a leg
Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Break a leg at your big concert tonight.”
“I know you are nervous about your first big presentation, but you have prepared well, so break a leg.”
“As the curtain rose and the actors took their places, the director whispered for them to break a leg and give the audience a performance to remember.”
disputed origin
Theatre superstition (early 20th century) that wishing luck directly invites bad luck; possibly from the German/Yiddish good-luck phrase 'Hals- und Beinbruch' (neck and leg break).
- 01
all bedlam breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 03
an arm and a leg
Usually used after the verb cost, but also often charge, pay, and spend: a very high price for an item or service; an exorbitant price
- 04
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 05
break a sweat
To put effort into something.
- 06
break cover
To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.
- 07
break down
To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
- 08
break even
To neither gain nor lose money.
Last updated August 10, 2026