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break a leg

2018.09.26

Meaning:

‘Break a leg’ is an old expression from the theatre. It means ‘Good luck’. Before a play actors want to say ‘Good luck’ to each other; but many actors worried that saying ‘Good luck’ would bring *bad* luck… So they started saying things about bad luck, hoping that would bring *good* luck. Break a leg was the expression that became popular. Nowadays you can say break a leg to someone before a sports game, a job interview, an exam… any time you want to wish them luck.  It’s a positive, supportive expression (unless you say it with an evil smile…).

Example:

A: I’m so nervous! My TOEIC exam is tomorrow!
B: Break a leg! You’ll do great.

Talking Point(s):

In Japan, people often say ‘Ganbatte’ (がんばって) to each other before a challenge. Do you prefer the nuance of ‘ganbatte’ or ‘break a leg / good luck’?

大人からの英会話getgo 西船橋・荻窪・津田沼・本八幡