BREAK A LEG definition : 1. used for wishing someone good luck, especially before a performance 2. used for wishing someone…. Learn more. Definition of break a leg in the Idioms Dictionary. break a leg phrase. What does break a leg expression mean ? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. Break a leg is a jovial way of wishing actors good luck before a performance, especially on opening night. It may come from a superstition that saying good luck is bad luck, or from other meanings of break a leg , such as bowing, curtsying, or impressing the audience. Break a leg " Break a leg " is an English-language idiom used in the context of theatre or other performing arts to wish a performer "good luck". An ironic or non-literal saying of uncertain origin (a dead metaphor), [1] "break a leg " is commonly said to actors and musicians before they go on stage to perform or before an audition.