Breaking Satan's Leg
"Breaking the devil’s leg" means believing that once a task has been accomplished for the first time with difficulty, it will become easier thereafter—much like thinking that subsequent levels in a game will be easier after clearing the first one.
(Generated by artificial intelligence)
Where Does It Come From? 🤔
The exact origin of this idiom is unknown, but people have long assigned names to situations involving bad luck or misfortune. Here, "the devil" symbolizes evil and bad luck. When people overcame the initial difficulty of a task, they believed the bad luck had been neutralized, and began expressing this idea with this phrase.
Origin and Meaning? 📜
In this idiom, "the devil’s leg" symbolizes negativity and difficulty. The initial obstacles encountered when starting a task are likened to a malevolent force trying to block it. Once that obstacle is overcome, it is believed that the devil’s leg has been broken—that is, its power has been rendered ineffective. Therefore, this expression is used when someone successfully completes the first and most challenging stage of something.
(Generated by artificial intelligence)
How Is It Used in Daily Life? 🗣️
We typically use this idiom after passing the most difficult part of a task.
Examples:
- "After my first fall while learning to ride a bicycle, I got past it. Now we’ve broken the devil’s leg, and the rest will be easier."
- "After solving the hardest question on the exam, your friend might say, 'Oh wow, we broke the devil’s leg!' This shows they believe the toughest part is behind them and what follows will be easier."
