Break a leg

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Break a leg

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Language: English

June 19, 2008, 11:29 PM

Tomisimo

Break a leg

Labels: Break, Leg, Luck

Translations (3)
	Translation	User	Date	Translations	Comments
	Mierda	Rusty	June 21, 2008	1	0
	Mucha mierda	Rusty	June 21, 2008	1	1
	Rómpete una pierna	Tomisimo	June 30, 2008	1	0

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Comments (2)

June 19, 2008, 11:29 PM

Tomisimo

This phrase is used to wish someone luck with whatever they are going to do.

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July 10, 2008, 06:12 AM

Gemma

Traditional theory

In the United Kingdom, the most common idea about the origin of 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 a person wishes someone to 'break a leg' it refers to wishing them success in their performance so in the end they would have to kneel down and collect a welcoming tip. Theatre evolved and the tradition of tipping changed to one of throwing flowers on stage, as well as presenting flowers.

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