break your legs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break your legs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. Example: "Before the show starts, I just want to say, break your legs out there!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"You'll break your legs".

The New Yorker

Get out of here or I will break your legs".

The New York Times

"We didn't want you to break your legs and get hurt.

The New Yorker

Or this song by Silento where he's repeatedly singing, 'Now break your legs!

The Guardian

Or I break your legs!" Mr. DeSiena said: "I was stuttering.

The New York Times

But, before that, please find the five hundred dollars that you owe Big Jimmy, because otherwise he'll break your legs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

You may break your leg.

The Guardian - Money

If you do, then you can break your leg again.

The New Yorker

"You land too far, you break your leg," Boorman told me, of the Produnova.

The New Yorker

Every night you are afraid that you will break your leg.

The Guardian

A girl was given this problem: "You are on your yacht on Lake Michigan and break your leg.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using it, be mindful of your audience; while generally understood, some individuals might find the expression jarring or insensitive if taken literally.

Common error

Avoid using "break your legs" in contexts where genuine concern for someone's physical well-being is paramount. Its sarcastic origin can be lost, leading to miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break your legs" functions as an idiomatic expression. According to Ludwig AI, it's used as a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. It does not function as a literal verb phrase indicating physical harm.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break your legs" is an idiomatic expression primarily used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and grammatical correctness. While seemingly contradictory, it's rooted in theatrical superstition and carries a positive connotation. It's best used in informal settings and should be avoided in situations where it could be misinterpreted as a threat or insensitive remark. Alternative phrases like "good luck" or "knock 'em dead" can be used in its place, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good luck

This alternative directly conveys the wish for a positive outcome.

best of luck

Similar to "good luck", but emphasizes the extent of the well-wishing.

knock 'em dead

An informal way to encourage someone to perform exceptionally well, especially in front of an audience.

go out there and shine

Encourages someone to excel and showcase their talents or abilities.

give it your all

This emphasizes the effort and dedication someone should put into a task.

do your best

A straightforward way of encouraging someone to perform to the best of their ability.

succeed

Focuses on the desired outcome of achieving success.

flourish

Suggests a thriving and successful performance or endeavor.

triumph

Implies overcoming challenges and achieving a significant victory.

have a great show

Specifically used before a performance, wishing someone a successful and enjoyable show.

FAQs

How did "break your legs" originate as a way to wish someone good luck?

The origin is theatrical superstition. One theory suggests that wishing actors good luck would cause the opposite to happen. Another is that if a show was successful, actors would "break the legs" of the curtains by bowing so many times.

Is it appropriate to say "break your legs" in all situations?

No, it's best used in informal settings, especially before a performance. Avoid using it where the expression could be misinterpreted or cause offense.

What can I say instead of "break your legs"?

You can use alternatives like "good luck", "best of luck", or "knock 'em dead" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "break your leg" or "break your legs"?

Both phrases exist, but they have very different meanings. "Break your leg" refers to an actual injury, while "break your legs" is an idiom used to wish someone good luck before a performance.