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šŸ‘ Break A Leg! šŸ‘

By
Real Estate Agent with Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 CA BRE# 01261476

As a life-long performer: musician, DJ, Keynote Speaker, I've always said "break A Leg" when wishing another performer of any kind "good luck". I'm always amused that some people take it literally.
My professional dancer & actor bride Ailina NelsonĀ  has always known to wish me good luck before a performance or presentation with "Break A Leg", and I love getting that encouragement, as she does from me when going on an audition.

So lets clear the air and explain the "performer's vernacular":
The phrase "break a leg," commonly used to wish performers good luck, has roots in superstition and theater tradition. Interestingly, "good luck" was historically considered bad luck to say directly before a performance. So instead, theater folk used the phrase "break a leg" as a reverse psychology way to wish each other success.

There are a few popular theories about its origin:

  1. Theater Superstition: Saying ā€œgood luckā€ was thought to tempt fate, risking that the opposite might happen. The reverse wish, ā€œbreak a leg,ā€ was therefore seen as a way to ā€œtrickā€ fate into allowing a smooth performance.

  2. Applause Theory: In early theater, breaking the line of the legs (the curtains or side wings of the stage) meant a performer was called back for an encore due to high audience approval. So, ā€œbreak a legā€ implied the performer would be so successful that theyā€™d be summoned back for more applause. It also could literally mean that the performer did so many encores, they broke the curtain legs from lifting and lowering them too much.

  3. Elizabethan Stage: Some believe the phrase could also come from Shakespearean or Elizabethan theater, where ā€œbreaking a legā€ might refer to bowing or curtsying deeply, which would happen if the crowd appreciated the performance.

Personally, Ailina and I are fans of tradition #2. Over time, "break a leg" became a widely accepted part of theater vernacular, now extending beyond the stage to sports, auditions, and even job interviews as a quirky way to wish someone well. It's a compliment and a well-wish, so take it as such!Ā 

Photo by Vishnu R Nair: https://www.pexels.com
Photo by anna-m. w.: https://www.pexels.com

Posted by


Thomas J. Nelson
REALTORĀ®, CRS, RCS-D, CDPE, e-Pro, Certified Military Home Specialist, Luxury Home Specialist, Author, Keynote Speaker andĀ Ā Podcast HostĀ 

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Disclaimer:Ā  Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, medicalĀ adviceĀ or financial advice.Ā  For legal advice see an attorney.Ā Ā  For tax advice, health or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

perception is reality!Ā  Good luckšŸ˜Ž

Oct 27, 2024 09:19 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

no...break a leg! šŸ¤£

Oct 27, 2024 10:46 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Great explanation Thomas!!! I didn't know that.

The phrase "break a leg," commonly used to wish performers good luck, has roots in superstition and theater tradition. Interestingly, "good luck" was historically considered bad luck to say directly before a performance. So instead, theater folk used the phrase "break a leg" as a reverse psychology way to wish each other success.

Oct 27, 2024 09:27 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

I never did understand the saying, Thanks for sharing and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Oct 27, 2024 10:47 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Thomas,
I've often wondered where break a leg came from because it seemed opposite of it's intended meaning. Now I know! I'm a fan of tradition #2 as well.Ā  Thanks for sharing.

Oct 27, 2024 12:10 PM
Dennis Neal
RE/MAX, Big Bear - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

What a fun and insightful take on a beloved phrase! "Break a leg" perfectly captures the spirit of encouragement and support we all need, whether on stage or in life. Wishing you and Ailina continued success in all your performances and endeavors!

Oct 27, 2024 12:33 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

Thanks Dennis Neal I appreciate your thoughtful comments. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Oct 28, 2024 07:04 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO, for sharing such interesting insights about a phrase that has become a staple in the performing arts! I appreciate the clarity you brought to its origins and the thoughtful reflection on its significance.

Oct 27, 2024 01:08 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

You're most welcome - it's fun to share this because so many take it literally and do not understand it's true "well-wish" meaning.

Oct 28, 2024 07:12 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

How interesting Thomas!Ā  I never stopped to analysis just where that saying came from but seems like we've been using it for as long as I can remember in all kinds of places......lots of sporting events as well as plays etc etc.Ā  I'm going with #2!!

Oct 27, 2024 01:30 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

Yes! I've used it all my life too, having learned it decades ago under the guise of #2's definition, my favorite as well.

Oct 28, 2024 07:13 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

However, the support is offered a performer of any type appreciates the encouragement and no one hates a curtain call or two.

Oct 27, 2024 04:14 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

So true Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 - we performers tend to revel in the accolades - oh our fragile egos šŸ˜‚ 

Oct 28, 2024 07:14 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

That's interesting background for the "break a leg" story, Thomas.Ā  There are so many quotes, that would be interesting to know the back story to.

Oct 27, 2024 07:28 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

Well, Myrl Jeffcoat - I'm that guy - I always look up the meaning of quotes and vernaculars. šŸ§šŸ¤“

Oct 28, 2024 07:16 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

H Thomas- I too have heard the phrase forever and though I know its meaning, had no idea where it came from!!!Ā  I love learning where words, phrases or traditions come from.Ā 

Oct 27, 2024 07:29 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

Me too Kathy Streib - I'm a quote-geek and love knowing how certain sayings came to be. I shared this one because I recently wished someone at Toastmasters to "break a leg" and they scowled at me as if I just put a curse on them. I had to explain it. Then I saw Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 discussing it in a comment and I though "twice in one week, that's my next post." šŸ˜‚ 

Oct 28, 2024 07:18 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

As I recall Tom the phrase "Break a Leg" may have a connection as well to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at the Ford Theater in 1865. The assassin John Wilkes Booth broke his leg jumping out of the balcony onto the stage afterwards. May have contributed to the use of the phrase.

Oct 27, 2024 10:32 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

That is very possible Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI , although it would lose the positive "good luck" meaning intended by the phrase. That one may be an urban legend since it's not in the vein of the well-wish - but I digress - because I do not know.

Oct 28, 2024 07:21 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Thomas - I don't recall where I first heard the expression, but it made a memorable impression I use.Ā  Not regularly but more than occasionally.Ā  Some "get it" - others "don't".Ā 

I am just a ponderer and observer of things around me.Ā  I

Oct 28, 2024 02:27 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

Michael Jacobs I too propose to ponder peacefully with purpose the prose of people.

Oct 28, 2024 07:22 AM
Michael Jacobs

Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO - pondered purposefully and pretty close to perfect too.  šŸ’Æ

Oct 28, 2024 07:28 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

šŸ˜‰šŸ˜‚šŸ¤£

Oct 28, 2024 04:01 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Thomas... I was familiar with #3, but not #1 and #2. Learn something new in the Rain every day!

Oct 28, 2024 04:53 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I have definitely heard this phrase before and knew it meant good luck, but thought it was a weird way to say that. Now I know why! I'd go with #2 as well.

Oct 28, 2024 04:58 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

Kat Palmiotti - yes indeed it would sound weird. Non-performers often find it odd, but true performers never want to hear 'good luck'; they much prefer 'break a leg.' The difference lies in perspective: performers see success not as a matter of luck but of skill, preparation, and resilience.

Oct 28, 2024 07:25 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Thomas. Knew about explanation one but had no clue about numbers two and three. As the sat "now I know"! Thanks. Enjoy your day.

Oct 28, 2024 05:56 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR Ā® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO

Thanks for popping by my post Wayne Martin !!!

Oct 28, 2024 07:25 AM