Meaning
"Break A Leg"은 영어 관용구로, 주로 무대 공연이나 중요한 시험을 앞둔 사람에게 행운을 빌어줄 때 사용됩니다. 직역하면 "다리를 부러뜨려라"라는 과격한 표현이지만, 실제로는 상대방의 성공을 기원하는 긍정적인 의미를 담고 있습니다.
이 표현은 주로 연극이나 공연에서 유래했다고 알려져 있으며, 역설적으로 불운을 피하기 위한 미신적 관습에서 비롯되었습니다. 즉, 행운을 빌 때 직접적으로 '행운을 빌어요'라고 말하는 대신, 이와 같은 반어법을 사용하여 오히려 좋은 결과를 기대하는 것입니다.
따라서 "Break A Leg"은 공연을 앞둔 배우나 중요한 일을 앞둔 사람에게 격려와 행운을 빌어줄 때, 친근하게 사용할 수 있는 표현입니다.
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!
