15 Everyday Phrases You Didn’t Know Came from Shakespeare, Just in Time for Shakespeare Day
Many of the everyday phrases we casually toss around—from “break the ice” to “wild-goose chase”—were first penned by Shakespeare, proving the Bard’s wit is still woven into our daily conversations.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
William Shakespeare didn’t merely influence the stage—he influenced the English language itself, inventing phrases we use today without even knowing their theatrical origins. Phrases such as “in a pickle” and “wear my heart upon my sleeve” weren’t merely poetic; they were revolutionary, fitting effortlessly into common speech over centuries. This list reveals 15 common phrases born of the Bard’s genius, reminding us that Shakespeare’s legacy lives on every time we open our mouths.
1. “Break the ice” - The Taming of the Shrew
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What was once used to mean breaking social stiffness, Lucentio utters it as they conspire to smooth-talk the tart-tongued Katherina. Nowadays, it’s the inevitable catchphrase used for initiating cringeworthy conversations or social gatherings.
2. “Wild-goose chase” - Romeo and Juliet
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Mercutio applies it to a difficult pursuit, such as pursuing geese in erratic flight. We now apply it to any hopeless or tortuous attempt to do something improbable.
3. “Green-eyed monster” - Othello
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Iago advises Othello to be on the lookout for the “green-eyed monster” of jealousy. Because of Shakespeare, green is now irrevocably associated with envy.
4. “In a pickle” - The Tempest
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Alonso queries the inebriated Trinculo, “How camest thou in this pickle?” following a wild adventure. Nowadays, it refers to being in a difficult or complicated situation.
5. “Wear my heart upon my sleeve” - Othello
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Iago utters this as part of his ironic dialogue about honesty and dishonesty. Today, the phrase refers to displaying one’s feelings openly.
6. “It’s Greek to me” - Julius Caesar
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Casca employs it to declare that he missed Cicero’s speech. It is currently used to dismiss whatever is unclear.
7. “A sorry sight” - Macbeth
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Macbeth uttered this when he killed King Duncan and addressed his bloodied hands. Today, we use it regarding whatever is sorrowful, untidy, or deplorable.
8. “The world’s my oyster” - The Merry Wives of Windsor
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Falstaff speaks it with the inference that he is able to obtain what he desires—with violence, if necessary. The contemporary usage is more toward unlimited possibility and potential.
9. “As dead as a doornail” - Henry VI, Part 2
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Shakespeare didn’t invent it, but he made it popular. It’s still employed to emphasize that someone or something is absolutely, irrefutably dead.
10. “Too much of a good thing” - As You Like It
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Rosalind spoke it as a lighthearted caution against indulgence. Today, it’s a timeless warning that even wonderful things can only go so far.
11. “Eaten me out house and home” - Henry IV, Part 2
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Hostess Quickly lamented how Falstaff consumed all of her food stores. Now, this phrase is applied jokingly to parents of starving teenagers and anyone with demanding guests.
12. “Seen better days” - As You Like It
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The expression is employed to refer to a character coming down in the world. Now, it’s used for people, garments, buildings—anything past its best.
13. “What’s done is done” - Macbeth
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Lady Macbeth employed it to placate her spouse after the murder. Now, it’s an acceptance phrase, usually employed to put regrets behind you.
14. “Lie low” - Much Ado About Nothing
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It’s a warning to keep out of sight and out of trouble, said by a guard to a friend. The expression still refers to keeping a low profile, particularly in tense circumstances.
15. “Knock knock! Who’s there?” - Macbeth
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Yes, indeed! The inebriated porter gave a strange monologue full of “knock knock” jokes, regarded as the source of the now-universal joke structure.