15 Other Ways to Say “Break a Leg” (With Examples)

Hesitation to use the idiom “Break a Leg” often arises because it feels strange or might be misinterpreted by a non-native speaker. This phrase, traditionally limited to the theater, is often inappropriate for modern, high-stakes situations like job interviews or major exams.

If you’re looking for Other Ways to Say Break a Leg that are universally understood, genuine, and versatile for every context, this guide is for you. Stop relying on confusing idioms and start wishing success with confidence!

What’s Another Term for “Break a Leg”?

1. Good luck
2. Knock ’em dead
3. Best of luck
4. Shine out there
5. You’ve got this
6. Crush it
7. All the best
8. Go get ‘em
9. Rock it
10. Wishing you success
11. Nail it
12. Blow them away
13. Do your best
14. Kill it
15. Here’s to a great show

1. Good luck

Good luck is a straightforward, universal phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” offering a simple wish for success in any endeavor, commonly in both casual and formal settings where encouragement is needed.

It conveys a warm, genuine tone, making it suitable for performances, exams, or personal challenges where a broad, positive wish fits.

Using “good luck” to express “break a leg” adds a classic, heartfelt nuance that feels versatile and sincere, aligning closely with “break a leg” but with a more general, less theatrical tone.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to convey “break a leg” in a universally understood way, providing encouragement without specific reference to performance contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend about to take a final exam, textbooks piled high and pencils sharpened in a quiet library study room. You want to wish them success to boost their confidence before the test. You could say: “Good luck.”
• Imagine you’re texting a colleague before their big client presentation, laptops ready and slides projected in a bustling office. You want to encourage them simply and sincerely. You might say: “Good luck.”

2. Knock ’em dead

Knock ’em dead is a bold, theatrical phrase serving as an alternative to “break a leg,” urging someone to impress or captivate an audience, often in performance or public speaking contexts where a strong impact is desired.

It suggests an energetic, confident tone, ideal for actors, musicians, or presenters aiming to make a memorable impression.

Using “knock ’em dead” to convey “break a leg” adds a dynamic, show-stopping nuance that feels enthusiastic and dramatic, closely mirroring the performative spirit of “break a leg” but with a modern, punchy flair.

This expression is particularly fitting when you want to express “break a leg” with vibrant encouragement, inspiring a standout performance or effort.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend preparing for a theater audition, script in hand and stage lights glowing in a bustling rehearsal space. You want to boost their confidence for a powerful performance. You could say: “Knock ’em dead.”
• Imagine you’re cheering on a coworker before a keynote speech, the conference hall buzzing, and slides ready on a big screen. You want to urge them to impress the audience. You might say: “Knock ’em dead.”

3. Best of luck

Best of luck is a warm, polite phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” offering a heartfelt wish for success, often in formal or semi-formal settings like interviews, competitions, or performances.

It conveys a supportive, sincere tone, suitable for colleagues, students, or friends facing significant challenges.

Using “best of luck” to express “break a leg” adds a courteous, encouraging nuance that feels refined and genuine, distinguishing it from the theatrical “break a leg” by emphasizing broad applicability.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to convey “break a leg” with a touch of formality, ensuring the recipient feels supported in their endeavor.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a classmate heading to a scholarship interview, suit pressed and notes prepared in a quiet campus lounge. You want to wish them success politely to ease their nerves. You could say: “Best of luck.”
• Imagine you’re emailing a teammate before a product pitch, the office is quiet, and documents are ready on your desk. You want to encourage them with a formal tone. You might say: “Best of luck.”

4. Shine out there

Shine out there is a vibrant, uplifting phrase serving as an alternative to “break a leg,” encouraging someone to stand out brilliantly, often in performance or public-facing contexts like theater, dance, or speeches.

It suggests an enthusiastic, glowing tone, ideal for creative or high-visibility endeavors where charisma is key.

Using “shine out there” to convey “break a leg” adds a radiant, motivational nuance that feels inspiring, aligning with “break a leg” but emphasizing brilliance and presence.

This expression is particularly fitting when you want to express “break a leg” with a focus on dazzling performance, boosting confidence for a standout moment.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend about to perform in a dance recital, costumes sparkling and music warming up backstage. You want to inspire them to dazzle the audience. You could say: “Shine out there.”
• Imagine you’re encouraging a colleague before a TEDx talk, stage set and audience gathering in a packed auditorium. You want to boost their confidence to captivate. You might say: “Shine out there.”

5. You’ve got this

You’ve got this is a confident, reassuring phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” expressing belief in someone’s ability to succeed, often in casual or supportive settings like sports, exams, or presentations.

It conveys an empowering, friendly tone, suitable for friends, teammates, or peers facing challenges.

Using “you’ve got this” to convey “break a leg” adds a personal, confidence-building nuance that feels direct and supportive, distinguishing it from the theatrical “break a leg” by focusing on capability.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to express “break a leg” with a personal, motivational boost, reinforcing the recipient’s strength.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend nervous about a job interview, resume in hand and suit ready in a quiet coffee shop. You want to boost their confidence with reassurance. You could say: “You’ve got this.”
• Imagine you’re cheering a teammate before a soccer match, the field buzzing and players warming up under bright stadium lights. You want to affirm their ability to win. You might say: “You’ve got this.”

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “All The Best” (With Examples)

6. Crush it

Crush it is a bold, energetic phrase serving as an alternative to “break a leg,” urging someone to perform exceptionally well, often in competitive or high-energy contexts like business, sports, or performances.

It suggests a confident, dynamic tone, ideal for motivating friends, colleagues, or athletes to excel.

Using “crush it” to express “break a leg” adds a modern, intense nuance that feels motivational and powerful, aligning with “break a leg” but with a more aggressive, triumphant vibe.

This expression is particularly fitting when you want to convey “break a leg” with high-energy encouragement, inspiring a stellar performance or outcome.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a colleague preparing for a sales pitch, slides ready, and clients waiting in a sleek boardroom. You want to motivate them to excel boldly. You could say: “Crush it.”
• Imagine you’re texting a friend before a stand-up comedy gig, stage lights dim, and the audience laughing in a cozy club. You want to urge a killer performance. You might say: “Crush it.”

7. All the best

All the best is a polite, versatile phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” offering a broad wish for success, often in professional or personal contexts like farewells, exams, or performances.

It conveys a warm, supportive tone, suitable for colleagues, friends, or acquaintances facing challenges.

Using “all the best” to convey “break a leg” adds a courteous, inclusive nuance that feels sincere and broad, distinguishing it from the performance-specific “break a leg” by being more general.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to express “break a leg” with a polite, universal wish for success in any endeavor.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a coworker leaving for a new job, the office is bustling, and farewell cards are circulating. You want to wish them success warmly before their next step. You could say: “All the best.”
• Imagine you’re texting a friend before a piano recital, notes practiced and stage set in a concert hall. You want to encourage them politely. You might say: “All the best.”

8. Go get ‘em

Go get ‘em is an enthusiastic, action-oriented phrase serving as an alternative to “break a leg,” urging someone to seize the moment and succeed, often in competitive or performance contexts like sports or debates.

It suggests a spirited, motivational tone, ideal for rallying friends, teammates, or performers.

Using “go get ‘em” to express “break a leg” adds a dynamic, aggressive nuance that feels energizing, aligning with “break a leg” but with a focus on taking charge.

This expression is particularly fitting when you want to convey “break a leg” with a bold, proactive push for success.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend competing in a debate, arguments prepared and opponents ready in a school auditorium. You want to rally them to dominate confidently. You could say: “Go get ‘em.”
• Imagine you’re cheering a teammate before a basketball game, court buzzing and fans cheering under bright lights. You want to motivate them to win. You might say: “Go get ‘em.”

9. Rock it

Rock it is a lively, modern phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” encouraging someone to perform energetically and successfully, often in music, dance, or casual performance contexts.

It conveys a cool, confident tone, suitable for friends, performers, or peers aiming to impress.

Using “rock it” to convey “break a leg” adds a trendy, high-energy nuance that feels fun and motivational, closely mirroring the performative vibe of “break a leg” but with a contemporary edge.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to express “break a leg” with a youthful, enthusiastic boost for a standout performance.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend about to perform in a band, guitars tuned and stage lights glowing in a packed venue. You want to encourage a high-energy show. You could say: “Rock it.”
• Imagine you’re texting a colleague before a creative pitch, ideas ready, and a boardroom waiting. You want to urge them to impress with flair. You might say: “Rock it.”

10. Wishing you success

Wishing you success is a formal, heartfelt phrase serving as an alternative to “break a leg,” offering a sincere hope for achievement, often in professional or significant contexts like exams, interviews, or projects.

It suggests a supportive, polished tone, ideal for written messages, colleagues, or formal encouragement.

Using “wishing you success” to express “break a leg” adds a refined, aspirational nuance that feels earnest, distinguishing it from the theatrical “break a leg” by emphasizing broader achievement.

This expression is particularly fitting when you want to convey “break a leg” with a formal, sincere wish for success in any endeavor.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a student preparing for a college entrance exam, study guides open, and a quiet library buzzing. You want to wish them success formally to boost their focus. You could say: “Wishing you success.”
• Imagine you’re emailing a teammate before a major project launch, the office is quiet, and the documents are finalized. You want to encourage them with a polished tone. You might say: “Wishing you success.”

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Have Fun” (With Examples)

11. Nail it

Nail it is a confident, concise phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” urging someone to perform perfectly or succeed decisively, often in casual or professional contexts like presentations or auditions.

It conveys an optimistic, precise tone, suitable for friends, colleagues, or performers aiming for excellence.

Using “nail it” to convey “break a leg” adds a sharp, success-focused nuance that feels direct and empowering, aligning with “break a leg” but with a focus on precision and mastery.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to express “break a leg” with a strong belief in perfect execution.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend auditioning for a lead role, script memorized, and the theater buzzing with anticipation. You want to urge them to perform perfectly. You could say: “Nail it.”
• Imagine you’re encouraging a coworker before a product demo, prototypes ready, and clients waiting in a sleek office. You want to boost their confidence for success. You might say: “Nail it.”

12. Blow them away

Blow them away is a dramatic, high-impact phrase serving as an alternative to “break a leg,” encouraging someone to impress or amaze an audience, often in performance or competitive contexts like speeches or shows.

It suggests a bold, awe-inspiring tone, ideal for actors, speakers, or athletes aiming to captivate.

Using “blow them away” to express “break a leg” adds a theatrical, impactful nuance that feels exhilarating, closely mirroring the performative spirit of “break a leg” with extra emphasis on stunning success.

This expression is particularly fitting when you want to convey “break a leg” with a push for an unforgettable performance.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend performing in a talent show, with stage lights bright and the audience cheering in a packed hall. You want to inspire them to amaze everyone. You could say: “Blow them away.”
• Imagine you’re cheering a colleague before a startup pitch, investors gathered, and slides ready in a conference room. You want to give a stunning presentation. You might say: “Blow them away.”

13. Do your best

Do your best is a supportive, effort-focused phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” encouraging someone to give their all, often in personal or educational contexts like tests, sports, or challenges.

It conveys a gentle, motivating tone, suitable for students, friends, or teammates needing encouragement.

Using “do your best” to convey “break a leg” adds a sincere, effort-oriented nuance that feels nurturing, distinguishing it from the performative “break a leg” by focusing on personal effort.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to express “break a leg” with a focus on trying hard, regardless of the outcome.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a child nervous about a spelling bee, words practiced and stage ready in a school auditorium. You want to encourage maximum effort gently. You could say: “Do your best.”
• Imagine you’re texting a friend before a marathon, running gear on, and crowds gathering at the starting line. You want to motivate them to give their all. You might say: “Do your best.”

14. Kill it

Kill it is a bold, slangy phrase serving as an alternative to “break a leg,” urging someone to perform exceptionally well, often in casual or high-energy contexts like performances, sports, or pitches.

It suggests a confident, intense tone, ideal for friends, performers, or colleagues aiming to excel.

Using “kill it” to express “break a leg” adds a modern, aggressive nuance that feels empowering and dynamic, aligning with “break a leg” but with a stronger, more intense vibe.

This expression is particularly fitting when you want to convey “break a leg” with high-energy encouragement for a dominant performance.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend about to perform at an open mic, guitar tuned, and a crowd buzzing in a cozy bar. You want to urge them to dominate the stage. You could say: “Kill it.”
• Imagine you’re encouraging a teammate before a business pitch, slides ready, and investors waiting in a boardroom. You want to boost their confidence to excel. You might say: “Kill it.”

15. Here’s to a great show

Here’s to a great show is a warm, performative phrase used as an alternative to “break a leg,” wishing for a successful performance, often in theater, music, or event contexts where a public display is central.

It conveys a celebratory, supportive tone, suitable for actors, musicians, or event organizers.

Using “here’s to a great show” to convey “break a leg” adds a festive, performance-specific nuance that feels encouraging and thematic, closely tied to the theatrical roots of “break a leg.”

This phrase is particularly appropriate when you want to express “break a leg” with a direct nod to a stellar performance or event.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you have a friend starring in a community play, costumes on and curtains about to rise in a local theater. You want to wish them a stellar performance warmly. You could say: “Here’s to a great show.”
• Imagine you’re texting a band member before a concert, stage lights glowing, and fans gathering in a packed venue. You want to encourage a memorable performance. You might say: “Here’s to a great show.”

Conclusion

Deploying Other Ways to Say Break a Leg is vital for forging authentic connections and banishing communication pitfalls. This decisive linguistic shift ensures your message of support resonates deeply, landing perfectly regardless of whether the recipient is stepping onto a world stage or facing a pivotal moment.

By embracing vivid and personalized encouragement, you obliterate confusion and inject potent motivation. Never again let tired clichés undermine your sincere desire to cheer someone on! Unlock an expanded vault of articulate expressions and communication resources at Other Way to Say.