Meaning
"Break A Leg"は英語で「幸運を祈る」という意味の慣用句です。この表現は主に舞台やパフォーマンスが行われる前に使用され、俳優や演奏者に対して成功を祈る際に使われます。
直訳すると「足を折る」という少し奇妙な表現ですが、これは幸運を祈るためのユーモラスな言い回しです。英語圏では、直接「Good luck」と言うことを避けることで、逆に不運を避けるという一種の迷信から来ています。
例えば、友人が舞台に立つ前に「Break a leg!」と言ってあげることで、その公演が成功するようにという願いが込められています。「Break A Leg」を使うことで、相手に対する応援の気持ちを伝えることができます。
Example
I'm so happy I got to see you before the concert. Break a leg!
Isn't your audition today? Break a leg!
Break a leg, I know your performance will be great!
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
