Break a Leg
No one wants to break a leg or any other body part. Just ask our worship pastor. He has spent months in pain from a broken foot. His injuries have required surgeries, casts, boots, and a wheelchair. He has also endured a walker, cane, crutches, and numerous therapy sessions.
With that in mind, why do people tell others to break a leg? The expression sounds cruel.
Break a leg means to wish people good luck.
It offers encouragement, especially to performers on opening night. The speaker hopes the actors bring down the house.
Some believe wishing actors good luck causes bad luck. Therefore, they say the opposite of what they mean. The Phrase Finder offers several possible origins for this superstition.
Although they understand the idiom, some people choose not to use it.
Not everyone understands the meaning, so it could result in hurt feelings. However, others use the expression as a fun tradition. If necessary, they explain what they mean.
Prayer offers a better alternative.
Whether a person says to break a leg or not, prayer remains the greatest gift. Prayer does not rely on superstition. It also removes the need for worry. As my friend Marian Woosley often said, “Why worry when we can pray?” True for actors. True for everyone.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony” (Psalm 6:2 NIV).
Thanks to Candyce Carden for the suggestion and to Katherine Bonds for the photo.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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11 thoughts on “Break a Leg”
Another great phrase that I’ve used in my own life, but was convicted by something I haven’t always done along with it. I haven’t always stopped to pray for that person I encouraged as they were embarking on some endeavor. Some, yes I have. In fact, I try to practice “Praying in the Moment” rather than the semi-platitude of “I’ll be praying for you” and then promptly forget about it (intentional or not). Great exhortation my friend. Thank you.
Thanks so much, J.D. I don’t use this expression much, but I am trying to do better about “Praying in the Moment.” Blessings.
Diana, I’ve not been able to say this expression to people. Like your pastor, we have had a family member go through foot surgeries. It’s a painful and long process at times. Much better to offer encouragement and prayer as you pointed out. With the help of the Lord, one is bound to “put their best foot forward” 😂
Our pastor has been dealing with this about a year. He’s much better but still dealing with it. Thanks for the “put your best foot forward” idea. I have written on a similar “get off on the wrong foot.” Perhaps it’s time to present the positive alternative.
❤️
Praying for another is the best guarantee of all, Diana. May we never wish anyone else ill.
Blessings!
Amen, Martha. What a wonderful world we would have if we all followed that plan consistently.
Diana, thanks for this interesting post! I love your reminder that prayer is the best gift we can give. Our women’s group is studying “The Power of Praying through Fear” by Stormie O’Martian, and our last lesson emphasized Phil. 4:6-8. What a comfort we can leave everything in His loving hands. Blessings!
Thank you, Kim. I love those verses and their reassurance. Your study sounds like a great one. Have a wonderful weekend!
I’ve always wondered at the origin of this statement, “Break a leg.” I agree with you, prayer is a better choice.
Katherine, it’s an interesting expression but one that usually makes me uncomfortable. “I’m praying for you” is definitely the better choice.