Cool MateBest wishes vs Let’s break a leg
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Best wishes
Top 2,000 (common)
Let’s break a leg
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: Best wishesMost common: Best wishes
| Best wishes | Let’s break a leg | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz//🇺🇸 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz// | 🇬🇧 //lɛts breɪk ə lɛg//🇺🇸 //lɛts breɪk ə lɛg// |
| Meaning | A way to say good luck or express hope for someone's happiness. | Good luck |
| Example | Thank you for your support, and best wishes for your future endeavors. | Before she went on stage, her friends said, 'Let’s break a leg!' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | send best wishes, best wishes for, give best wishes | break a leg before, let's break a leg, wish to break a leg |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'best wishes to you' which is less common., Using it in overly formal settings where something else is preferred., Not capitalizing the phrase when used at the beginning of a note. | Misunderstanding it as a request for physical harm., Using it in serious contexts where encouragement is not appropriate., Not knowing it is mainly used for performances. |
| Usage notes | Use 'best wishes' in friendly or formal contexts. It’s appropriate in letters, cards, or when wishing someone well. Avoid in very casual settings. | Use in casual contexts to wish someone good luck, especially before performances. Avoid in formal settings. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Best wishes vs Let’s break a leg
What's the difference between Best wishes and Let’s break a leg?
Best wishes: A way to say good luck or express hope for someone's happiness. Let’s break a leg: Good luck
Which is more formal: Best wishes and Let’s break a leg?
Best wishes is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Best wishes and Let’s break a leg?
Best wishes is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Best wishes: Thank you for your support, and best wishes for your future endeavors. Let’s break a leg: Before she went on stage, her friends said, 'Let’s break a leg!'
Can I use Best wishes and Let’s break a leg interchangeably?
Not always. Best wishes and Let’s break a leg are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.