<P> There are many non-literal references this expression could be referring to . </P> <Ul> <Li> Another popular alternative theory concerning the physical "legs," or side curtains, of the theatre proposes that the company of actors should rush onstage through the curtains to take a considerable amount of bows, thus "breaking a leg (side curtain)" in the process . </Li> <Li> To get a leg up, and catch your big / lucky break . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Another popular alternative theory concerning the physical "legs," or side curtains, of the theatre proposes that the company of actors should rush onstage through the curtains to take a considerable amount of bows, thus "breaking a leg (side curtain)" in the process . </Li> <Li> To get a leg up, and catch your big / lucky break . </Li>

Where does the saying break a leg originate