Response to More Kiwinglish--the one with the sheep

Oh, Bonnie, what an image. I hope I can forget it “in a hurry.” I was thinking however of our own American admonishments to haul our trunks. And I thought of “Shake a leg,” which put me in mind of “Break a leg.” Even though the phrase makes me squirm a bit, I use it nonetheless, just recently wishing a director I know: “Multiple fractures for all your best actors.” Now, I meant only legs, of course. However, the OED cites how in German, one traditionally wishes a thespian busted legs and necks. But guys, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. And what gives with all the wishing for the worst in order to get the best luck? Now Wikipedia, if I may, admits that the true origin is unknown, but refers in its list of possible etymological birthings to the Roman crowds encouraging the gladiators to break legs so as just to maim, as opposed to murder, their opponents. Makes sense; that way, everybody lives to see another blood bath. Those Romans, such ol’ softies. But I was especially encouraged by another entry—explaining, as did the director of our high school senior play, that “legs” are actually side curtains that must be broken through by the actors for bows and encores. Yes, sounds and feels a whole lot better, doesn’t it? Unless of course, one of those side curtains comes crashing down on your femur.