Read on to learn everything from the etymology of break a leg to why we use it in a theater setting. Get Reader’s Digest ’s Read Up newsletter for more word history, humor, travel, tech and ...

Since break a leg comes from the theater world, the phrase is mainly for performers like actors, singers and dancers. You can use the phrase in other contexts—say, ...

Some theater history buffs think "break a leg" might be a cousin of the German phrase "Hals- und Beinbruch," which means "neck and leg break." Others connect it to the Hebrew blessing "hatzlakha u ...

Well-wishers should always replace the phrase “good luck” with its theatrical substitute “break a leg.” According to Steppenwolf Theatre Company , the saying has a variety of possible origins.

The Show Must Go On: High school senior performing with broken leg 02:45. We say break a leg to wish someone luck before a big show, but a Washington County high school theater student literally ...

Pennsylvania — We say break a leg to wish someone luck before a big show, but a Washington County high school theater student literally broke her leg less than two weeks before opening night. ...