"Break a leg"
A superstitious idiom used to wish performers or actors good luck before a show, as directly saying "good luck" is considered bad luck.
Explore the entire repository of English figurative speech, traditional proverbs, colloquial idioms, and lexical phrases. Search across 64,000+ multi-word expressions with Princeton WordNet definitions, cultural lore, and component words.
A superstitious idiom used to wish performers or actors good luck before a show, as directly saying "good luck" is considered bad luck.
An encouraging exclamation or idiom meaning to perform brilliantly and impress an audience completely.
To astound, overwhelm, or impress someone immensely through an extraordinary performance or accomplishment.
To exert the maximum possible effort, skill, or diligence towards achieving success in an undertaking.
To take an irreversible, decisive step that irrevocably commits one to a specific course of action.
To destroy all means of retreat or second thoughts, committing unconditionally to an endeavor.
A fruitless, futile mission or undertaking that has no prospect of success or value.
To expose wrongdoing, corruption, fraud, or illegal activity within an organization to authorities or the public.
To endure pain, adversity, disappointment, or misfortune with good humor and stoic patience.
To commit oneself boldly to a decisive, momentous, or risky course of action after hesitation.
To initiate an action, project, or process to build early momentum and engagement.
An activity, task, or challenge that is exceptionally easy, pleasant, and devoid of difficulty.
To remain awake throughout an entire night, typically to work, study, or complete an urgent project.
Worse than the standard, expected, or typical level of performance, quality, or health.
Completely accurate, precise, exact, or impeccably on target.
Entirely, unequivocally, and indisputably correct.
Extremely joyful, delighted, ecstatic, or elated about good news or an achievement.
At the latest possible moment before a deadline, event, or catastrophe occurs; almost too late.
A Latin aphorism meaning "seize the day", urging people to embrace the present moment and make the most of today rather than placing trust in the future.
To embrace the opportunities of the present moment with enthusiasm rather than deferring action or worrying about the future.
In exceptionally good health, peak physical condition, or flourishing spirits.
Healthy, robust, vigorous, and full of life, especially said of an elderly person.
A substantial, considerable, or expensive amount of money.
A critical weakness, defect, or vulnerability that leads to ultimate downfall, ruin, or failure.
To die, perish, be defeated, or suffer catastrophic failure.
An informal idiom meaning to die or pass away.
To do something in the easiest, cheapest, or quickest way, often compromising quality or safety.
To decide to stop working or conclude an activity for the remainder of the day.
To permanently destroy relationships, connections, or retreat paths so one cannot return.
To waste time or emotion lamenting an unfortunate event that has already occurred and cannot be reversed.
An enormous, conspicuous problem or controversial topic that everyone is aware of but deliberately avoids discussing.
To be in full agreement, accord, or harmonic alignment with another person.
To playfully tease, deceive, or joke with someone in a good-humored manner.
To lessen someone’s triumph or attention by preempting them or claiming credit for their ideas.
To view a claim, statement, or rumor with healthy skepticism rather than literal belief.
A seemingly unfortunate or negative event that ultimately yields a positive outcome.
A fruitless, hopeless, or prolonged pursuit of something unobtainable or nonexistent.
An admonition that being excessively inquisitive or prying into others’ affairs can lead to harm or misfortune.
An optimal situation where one enjoys the benefits of two fundamentally different circumstances simultaneously.
Acquired or learned through informal rumors, hearsay, gossip, or word-of-mouth chatter.
To understand, grasp, or intellectually comprehend something complex, bizarre, or bewildering.
To successfully endure, survive, and overcome a severe crisis, hardship, or period of adversity.
To have sexual intercourse; to share a bed or intimate sexual relations with someone.
An informal, playful expression for a romantic or sexual encounter.
Deeply, completely, and madly in love or infatuated with someone.
To engage in sexual intercourse, especially with tender affection and mutual devotion.
To divulge a secret, reveal confidential plans, or blab prematurely.
To face an inevitable, grim, or painful situation with grim courage and resilience.
To ease tension, awkwardness, or silence when meeting strangers in a social setting.
Something extraordinarily simple, effortless, or straightforward to accomplish.
To work or study late into the night through tireless persistence.
Feeling slightly unwell, sick, tired, or hungover.
An event or occurrence that happens very rarely or almost never.
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or state the precise truth.
In a state of ecstatic, euphoric bliss and supreme happiness.
To discuss a topic evasively, avoiding the main point or difficult question.
Just in time; at the very last possible second before it is too late.
Sudden hesitation, loss of nerve, or reluctance to proceed with a major commitment.
To try every possible course of action in order to achieve something or solve a mystery.
To take immediate advantage of an opportune moment while conditions are favorable.
Expressed concisely in very few words; summarized briefly.
The most famous English pangram; a coherent sentence employing all 26 letters of the English alphabet.
A compact 32-letter English pangram containing all 26 letters of the alphabet in a colorful imperative sentence.
Completely honest, legitimate, and in accordance with established rules without deception.
The inevitable gradual damage, deterioration, or depreciation resulting from ordinary continuous use.
In exceptionally good physical health, high spirits, and vigorous condition.
Through all conditions, whether easy or arduous; with steadfast, unwavering loyalty.
Pursuing a mistaken line of inquiry, accusing the wrong person, or directing energy fruitlessly.
Extremely expensive; requiring an exorbitantly high financial price.
A singular point of profound vulnerability, weakness, or fatal flaw in an otherwise formidable entity.
Each member of a collective supports the whole, and the entire group defends every individual member.
The most celebrated English sentence palindrome; reads identical forward and backward letter-for-letter.
Simple acts of kindness and openness are the foundation of genuine social harmony.
Remain completely silent and refrain from voicing dissent or disruptive commentary.
Maintaining strong defense and deterrence is the surest way to prevent hostile invasion.
Mental calm and contentment surpass all material possessions in true value.
Those who make loud, threatening gestures rarely follow through with actual harm.
Everyone, no matter how humble or down on their luck, will experience a period of success.
Do not disturb or re-examine a volatile situation that could cause needless trouble.
It is notoriously difficult to persuade people to change entrenched habits or adopt new ideas.
It is far wiser to hold on to a certain advantage than to risk losing it by pursuing speculative gains.
Prompt action, preparedness, and early diligence guarantee superior rewards.
Individuals with similar temperaments, interests, or backgrounds naturally congregate.
A quiet, calm, or unassuming person often conceals profound passions or deep intellect.
Familial bonds and responsibilities are stronger and more enduring than any other relationships.
You can provide someone with ideal opportunities, but you cannot force them to seize them.
Past grievances or mistakes that cannot be undone and are no longer worth fretting over.
Those who possess obvious faults should never criticize others for the same shortcomings.
Any organization, government, or community that fractures into factions will collapse.
One’s own dwelling and family provide a level of security, comfort, and peace unmatched anywhere.
Natural forces and the passage of time will proceed inexorably regardless of human desires.
A small timely effort to fix a problem immediately prevents massive complications later.
Grief, heartbreak, and emotional distress subside naturally with the passage of time.
Deep affection and devotion can triumph over all adversity and obstacles.
Deep love causes people to overlook flaws, blemishes, and mistakes in their beloved.
Normal rules and etiquette are suspended when fighting for survival or the heart of someone.
A person who stands by you and helps in times of hardship is a genuine friend.
Deceitful companions pretending loyalty cause far more damage than known adversaries.
A person’s character is accurately reflected in the companions they choose to keep.
Good fortune attracts numerous companions, but hardship tests who is truly faithful.
True inner fulfillment and joyful contentment do not depend upon material wealth.
Those who lack prudence and discernment quickly squander their financial resources.
Financial resources are limited and require hard work and discipline to earn.
Greed and avarice motivate destructive, immoral, and corrupt behavior.
Understanding, information, and education equip individuals with the capacity to control outcomes.
Superficial understanding of a complex topic often produces arrogant and disastrous misjudgments.
Theoretical wisdom has little practical value if it is never applied to benefit humanity.
The highest purpose of acquiring understanding is to educate and elevate others.
What someone actually does is far more revealing of their intentions than what they claim.
Something is executed with immediate, decisive, and impressive swiftness.
Concrete practical achievements surpass elegant verbal promises.
Taking proactive, energetic steps dispels hesitation, anxiety, and dread.
Retaliatory vengeance only perpetuates endless cycles of mutual destruction.
Aesthetic appreciation is entirely subjective and depends on individual perception.
People and matters that are not physically present are easily overlooked or forgotten.
A person’s genuine feelings and character are revealed through their gaze.
A large, difficult task is accomplished effortlessly when many people cooperate.
Do not treat with cruelty or ingratitude someone who supports and sustains you.
Mutual assistance and reciprocal favors form the basis of enduring social cooperation.
An innocent person of untarnished integrity has nothing to fear from scrutiny.
Careless, cruel, or slanderous speech causes deep, lasting emotional agony.
Inadvertent verbal mistakes do not necessarily reflect malicious intent or true beliefs.
Physical injury heals quickly, whereas a careless slanderous word can never be unsaid.
While articulate speech has great merit, discretion and quiet restraint are far more valuable.
Failing to voice an objection when given the opportunity is interpreted as approval.
Profound intellect and deep emotions are quiet, while shallow minds produce noisy chatter.
Embracing honesty and factual reality delivers liberation from fear and deception.
Real-world events and historical occurrences often seem more bizarre than invented stories.
Even if suppressed by tyranny and propaganda, factual truth will eventually reassert itself.
Integrity and forthright truthfulness produce the most favorable long-term outcomes.
Boldness, decisive bravery, and daring enterprise are rewarded with triumph.
True bravery is demonstrated by maintaining poise, composure, and dignity in crisis.
Fearful anticipation of danger causes constant torment, whereas the brave face death with honor.
Human beings possess an innate, resilient capacity to anticipate a brighter future.
As long as an individual or cause survives, there remains a possibility of recovery.
Maintain optimism while taking all necessary practical precautions against catastrophe.
The ability to wait calmly without annoyance or complaint is an admirable moral quality.
Those who exercise patient endurance will eventually reap superior rewards.
Great and enduring achievements require persistent dedication and extensive time.
Mastery of any craft or discipline demands patient perseverance through early confusion.
Outward physical attractiveness says nothing about a person’s inner character or integrity.
Superficial charm lacking moral goodness fails to provide lasting joy.
That which is truly beautiful continues to inspire delight across generations.
A questioning mind and curiosity about the universe are the foundations of true wisdom.
True intellect recognizes the vast boundaries of human ignorance.
Sound judgment cannot be learned from books alone; it is forged through lived experience.
Persistent rumors, signs, and suspicions almost always originate in some underlying reality.
Do not recklessly engage in dangerous, risky, or volatile activities that could burn you.
Counter aggressive attacks by adopting the opponent’s own tactics and methods.
Escaping one bad dilemma only to plunge directly into an even more dangerous crisis.
Those who incite destructive unrest will suffer consequences far worse than what they began.
You cannot control external circumstances, but you can alter your response to them.
Without clear goals, all opportunities and favorable winds are squandered.
Easy conditions never develop strength, fortitude, resilience, or master craftsmanship.
There are innumerable other romantic prospects or opportunities available.
Success requires constant vigilance and understanding of shifting conditions.
A person who never settles down avoids stagnation, or alternatively fails to build wealth.
Accomplish two distinct objectives simultaneously with a single action.
Early childhood influences and habits shape adult character and destiny.
Children inevitably inherit and display the behavioral traits of their parents.
Do not despair over delayed beginnings; take immediate action today.
Superficial visual luster often conceals base, worthless, or counterfeit substance.
Discretion, meditative quiet, and holding one’s tongue surpass idle talk.
Treat fellow human beings with the same dignity and fairness you desire for yourself.
It is far wiser to accept a partial concession than to receive nothing at all.
Human beings require spiritual, intellectual, and emotional nourishment beyond mere sustenance.
Be aware of where your financial interests and practical advantages lie.
Physical and mental vitality is more precious and fundamental than any financial assets.
Maintaining wholesome daily nutritional habits prevents chronic illness.
Disciplined sleep habits foster physical vigor, mental sharpness, and productivity.
Constant unremitting toil without recreation leads to mental exhaustion and melancholy.
Every undertaking should be executed with pride, thoroughness, and excellence.
Seize favorable conditions and opportunities while they are available.
Real existence unfolds in unexpected moments rather than rigid itineraries.
New experiences and diversity prevent monotony and make living delightful.
A purposeful, courageous life lived fully requires no regrets or repetition.
Mortality and governmental revenue obligations are the only inevitable realities.
Mortality strips away all distinctions of wealth, rank, power, and prestige.
In the grave, monarch and pauper share the exact same humble dimension.
English has several distinct classes of multi-word units, each functioning with unique syntax and semantic rules:
Expressions whose overall meaning cannot be deduced simply from the literal definitions of their individual words (e.g., "bite the bullet", "spill the beans").
Traditional, pithy observations conveying cultural wisdom, practical advice, or ethical rules tested by centuries of human experience (e.g., "Actions speak louder than words").
Syntactically coherent sentences engineered to employ every single letter of the alphabet from A through Z (e.g., "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog").
Pairs of content words locked into acoustic harmony through identical phonological rhyme tails (e.g., "Fair and square", "Wear and tear").
Phrases bound together through the deliberate repetition of initial consonant sounds across primary words (e.g., "Fit as a fiddle", "Through thick and thin").
Multi-word lexical items indexed in Princeton WordNet that denote specific entities or actions (e.g., "actor's line", "sleep together").