Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or not, his words have forever changed how we talk and write today. Here are just 5 phrases that we can thank Shakespeare for.
“Green-eyed monster”
Meaning: jealously personified.
This one comes from Othello:
“Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on” (Act 3, Scene 3)
“In a pickle”
Meaning: in trouble or in a mess
This one comes from The Tempest.
King Alonso asks his jester, Trinculo, “I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last” (Act 5, Scene 1)
“Catch a cold”
Meaning: to get sick
This one may come as a surprise but it comes from Cymbeline, one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays.
“We will have these things set down by lawful counsel, and straight away from Britain, lest the bargain should catch cold and starve…” (Act 1, Scene 4)
“Love is blind”
Meaning: if you love someone, you cannot see any faults in that person.
This comes from The Merchant of Venice, when Jessica disguises herself to see her love, Lorenzo.
“But love is blind, and lovers cannot see. The pretty follies that themselves commit…” (Act 2, Scene 6).
“Break the ice”
Meaning: to start the conversation
This one is found in The Taming of the Shrew when one man is convincing another to marry one sister so that he can win over the younger sister. “And if you break the ice, and do this feat, achieve the elder, set the younger free…” (Act 1, Scene 2).
Are there any more that you know of? Let us know in the comments!
Vermont Shakespeare Festival 