Break A Leg?

Question

Anyone who knows what the expression "break a leg" means? Why do they say it? I know. 1st right answer= best.

Answer 1

There are a lot of odd, implausible explanations for this expression. The one about 'breaking the knee-line' is better than most, but doesn't really work since

1) The English expression apparently goes back only to the first part of the 20th century, NOT to Shakespeare

2) The fact that other languages have very similar expressions --for me the German "Hals- und Beinbrueck" [break (your) neck and leg!] does it-- shows that alternate meanings of "break" andor "leg" will not do. The expression is referring to a literal human leg and fracturing it, NOT some other action, such as bending.

Again, the expression appears to be fairly recent in English. Very likely it was borrowed from the German expression mentioned above, probably via German or Yiddish-speaking immigrants involved in the theater (of whom there were many).

And it DOES seem to relate to a superstitious notion that wishing something may cause the opposite. .. so the expression serves as a wish for good luck and health. . .

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-bre1.htm

Answer 2

Break a leg" is a well-known saying in theatre which means "good luck". It is typically said to actors before they go out onto stage to perform.

The expression is a theatrical superstition that replaces the phrase "good luck" which is considered bad. The expression is sometimes used outside the theatre as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use.

There are several theories for the expression's origins. All are heavily debated. Like many expressions it is almost impossible to fully trace its origins unless there are some sort of identifying markers found in derived Latin expressions. The below are some of the most popular origins for the expression, but cannot be conclusively proven.

Traditional Theory
In the U.K., the most common idea of origin for the expression comes from tradition. Historians know from the time of King James I and Shakespeare's King's Men that actors would on occasion receive tips on top of their salaries. Rather than receiving tips directly from the company or theatre, tipping was left to the audience. During the final bows or curtain call, audiences would throw money, usually coins, onto the stage depending on how well they enjoyed the performance. In some bad performances they would throw rotten vegetables, but in the good cases, money. Actors would then 'take a knee', effectively breaking their leg line, on stage and pick up the money. As a result when you wish someone to 'break a leg' it refers to wishing them success in their performance so in end they would have to kneel down and collect a welcoming tip. Theatre evolved and the tradition of tipping changed. This tradition led to the tradition of throwing flowers on stage, as well as presenting flowers. The expression continued through theatre as it was still applicable and later became tradition.

Answer 3

The original origins of "break a leg," began in theatre ballet productions where they came out for curtain calls. The rod that allows for the curtain to be raised and lowered is called the "LEG". So "break a leg," means truly to get so many curtain calls that the leg breaks in two.

Answer 4

in the olden days when acting was still considered "evil," if the townspeople saw that someone was an actor going to their performance, they would gang up on them and break their legs. Hence the term "break a leg." =)

Answer 5

It's because in show biz, saying good luck is actually bad luck. So they say break a leg which means good luck.

Answer 6

Femurs takes longer to heal than the different bone, as this is the main important in our physique. while my pal broke the two her femurs, she substitute into in a wheelchair for no less than 3 months. So his ankle will in all probability heal formerly he would be waiting to stroll in any respect. as this is the two his femurs he won't be waiting to stroll, not regardless of crutches, untill the two bones are thoroughly healed. Then he will choose physiotherapy for particularly it gradual, to income back his mobility and strengh. If the surgical operation went nicely and there are no problems, he will in all probability be discharged interior of a few days. Then he will would desire to spend yet another week or so in his very own mattress/settee because of the fact the bones choose absolute relax. i could say a minimum of 6 months untill he's back on his feet, yet be certain which you do ask the known practitioner/nurse next time you bypass to him :-)

Answer 7

That is just what actors say to one another for good luck before going out on the stage. Just a little superstition.

Answer 8

they say it in theater its bad luck to say good luck so instead they say break a leg

Answer 9

break a leg mean good luck
because if someone saids good luck it will like jinx them [ i guess ]

Answer 10

It means to hurry up
It also means good luck