"break a leg"

[Steve K.]

On Tue, 23 Jan 2001, Laurence Horn wrote:

> The term break a leg is referring to the curtains on the side of the
> stage, which are behind the main curtain.  These are the "legs" so
> breaking a leg means to make it successfully out on to the stage, and
> then giving a good performance.

Incidentally, as I alluded to in my other message, I think this is wrong
simply from the standpoint that it's unlikely that an actor would wish
someone good luck, as that would be bad luck.

(I have witnessed superstitous actors walk under ladders backstage without
a qualm, with the rationale that since that's bad luck, it's therefore
good luck. [Although it's pretty stupid, since a technician could
accidently drop something on your head if you bump the ladder.])

--- Steve K.