Which term is illustrated by the phrase 'break a leg' meaning good luck?

• A. Hyperbole
• B. Simile
• C. Idiom
• D. Metaphor

Answer: (C)

Idioms are phrases whose meaning isn’t tied to the literal meaning of the words themselves and is understood through common use. “Break a leg” is a classic example in theater culture—it’s a congratulatory wish for good luck, not a literal instruction to harm oneself. The meaning comes from convention and context, not from the words' literal sense, so it’s an idiom.

Hyperbole would be an exaggerated statement for emphasis, like “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” A simile uses like or as to compare two things, such as “as brave as a lion.” A metaphor states that one thing is another, such as “time is a thief.” Since break a leg relies on cultural meaning rather than a direct comparison or exaggeration, the idiom is the best fit.