Doesn't that seem kind of contradictory?
"You'll do great Ted, now get out there and break a leg."
"What? Why would I do that?! Is the stage dangerous? I shouldn't do this, I don;t have insurance..."
It seems to me that saying 'break a leg could give someone a full fledged panic attack.
2007-10-28 10:06:50 · 4 answers · asked by Raven Wing 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
http://www.idiomsite.com/breakaleg.htm
"A leg" is one of several layers of hanging curtains to the side of and in front of a stage.
The expression originated by wishing someone luck enough to be able to get past the first layer of curtains just outside the dressing rooms that led to the stage area and actually being able to make it to the stage to perform at all in the old vaudeville days.
"Break a Leg" became a wish for good luck.
2007-10-28 11:31:32 · answer #1 · answered by autumlovr 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because if they say goodluck something bad might happen and now that the person's saying break a leg,it's like goodluck happens.
2007-10-28 17:15:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch the movie, Fame, it explains all the theater superstitions.
2007-10-28 17:14:43 · answer #3 · answered by marie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for actors its a good luck wish, their thing. Not for dancers
2007-10-28 17:12:57 · answer #4 · answered by Neptune2bsure 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋