Top 15+ Everyday Phrases That Came From Shakespeare Plays

You might not have realized it, but these 15 everyday phrases were actually coined by none other than William Shakespeare!

15. Break the Ice

The phrase "break the ice" was popularized by William Shakespeare in his play, The Taming of the Shrew, in 1594. It refers to overcoming an initial barrier in a social situation and creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

14. Wild-Goose Chase

The phrase "wild-goose chase" appeared in Romeo and Juliet Act 2, Scene 4 (1597). Mercutio used it to highlight the absurdity of the rapid-fire wordplay between himself and Romeo. These days, it is commonly used in everyday situations when someone’s efforts end in frustration, like when a character in a comedy movie goes on a scatterbrained quest for love or fortune.

13. Green-Eyed Monster

Shakespeare first used the phrase "green-eyed monster" as a metaphor for jealousy in Act 3, Scene 3 of his play Othello (1603). The character Iago warns Othello, saying "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." Nowadays, we use it to describe jealousy in various contexts, from pop culture rivalries to friendships shown in dramas like Gossip Girl (2007-2012).

12. In a Pickle

This playful phrase first appeared in Shakespeare's play The Tempest (1611) during Act 5, Scene 1. King Alonso asked his jester, Trinculo, "How camest thou in this pickle?" to which a drunk Trinculo replied "I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last...." Today, being "in a pickle" means you have found yourself stuck or in trouble.

11. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

Shakespeare used the phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" in Othello (1603) when Iago says "For when my outward action doth demonstrate / The native act and figure of my heart / In compliment extern, 'tis not long after / But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve / For daws to peck at: I am not what I am." It was used to describe showing emotions openly and without reservation, as a way of reflecting vulnerability and authenticity. In contemporary shows and movies, characters that "wear their hearts on their sleeves" are often the most relatable.

10. The World’s Mine Oyster

"The world's mine oyster" originated from Act 2, Scene 2 of the play The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602). Pistol used the phrase when he declared, "Why, then the world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open," In other words, the world was a bounty just waiting to be claimed. Today, it’s often used in motivational contexts, like in sports dramas or business-related films, where characters believe they can achieve whatever they desire.

9. Bated Breath

The phrase "bated breath" comes from The Merchant of Venice (1600), specifically in Act I, Scene 3, when Shylock is speaking of how he should respond to Antonio. It meant to wait in suspense, often with a feeling of nervousness or excitement. Today, you might hear it during tense moments in films or thrillers, such as the climactic scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), where everyone collectively holds their breath, awaiting the outcome.

8. Foregone Conclusion

Shakespeare popularized this phrase in Othello (1603), implying a conclusion already reached, possibly prematurely. Today, it typically refers to a predictable or inevitable outcome, something that is certain to happen.

7. Salad Days

The phrase "salad days" originated from Act 1, Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra (1606). Cleopatra used it to describe her youth, saying, "My salad days, / When I was green in judgment, cold in blood." Today, it’s used by characters reflecting fondly on the past. For instance, in coming-of-age films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), the characters often reminisce about their salad days.

6. The Be-All and the End-All

The phrase "The be-all and the end-all" appears in Act 1, Scene 7 of Macbeth (1620), where Macbeth says: "If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well / It were done quickly. If th' assassination / Could trammel up the consequence, and catch / With his surcease, success: that but this blow / Might be the be-all and the end-all here, / But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, / We'd jump the life to come." It essentially means something that is of ultimate importance. Now, it’s used in discussions about life-altering decisions in films, like in The Matrix (1999), where Neo’s choices are seen as the critical turning point.

5. There’s Method in My Madness

This phrase comes from Hamlet (1600), specifically Act 2, Scene 2 when Polonius says, "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't." It suggests that apparent craziness is actually a clever strategy. These days, the phrase might be said by characters who seem erratic but often have well-thought-out plans. This would be the case in The Dark Knight (2008), where the Joker’s chaotic antics mask intricate schemes.

4. Too Much of a Good Thing

"Too much of a good thing" appeared in As You Like It (1623), specifically in Act 4, Scene 1 as "Why then, can one desire too much of a good thing?" It acts as commentary on moderation and the idea that even something enjoyable can become detrimental if it is in excessive amounts. Today, it’s widely used in comedies and dramas.

3. Good Riddance

The phrase "good riddance" appeared in Act 2, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's play Troilus and Cressida (1609) when Patroclus, after a verbal exchange with Thersites, says "A good riddance." It’s used today to express relief when a troublesome character is gone, like in a romantic comedy when one partner realizes they’re better off without their toxic ex.