Demetri tells his dance partner Ahlam to "break a leg" before she goes on stage. Ahlam is alarmed that Demetri would wish her harm. Ahlam is most likely focusing on which type of meaning for the phrase "break a leg"?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ahlam is focusing on the denotative meaning, which refers to the literal, dictionary definition of the words. In this case, she interprets "break a leg" as literally wishing harm, rather than understanding the idiomatic, or connotative, meaning which is to wish someone good luck.

Demetri Tells His Dance Partner Ahlam to "Break a Leg