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This category is for English phrases which were invented by Shakespeare, and older phrases which were notably used in his works. The main article for this category is William Shakespeare . Pages in category "Shakespearean phrases"
William Shakespeare's play Hamlet has contributed many phrases to common English, from the famous "To be, or not to be" to a few less known, but still in everyday English. Some also occur elsewhere (e.g. in the Bible) or are proverbial. All quotations are second quarto except as noted:
Shakespeare also used groundlings widely in his plays. The use of groundlings "saved the drama from academic stiffness and preserved its essential bias towards entertainment in comedy". [24] Hamlet is an outstanding example of "groundlings" quickness and response. [24] Use of groundlings enhanced Shakespeare's work practically and artistically.
The reference is used to state that the names of things do not affect what they really are. This formulation is, however, a paraphrase of Shakespeare's actual language. Juliet compares Romeo to a rose saying that if he were not a Montague, he would still be just as handsome and be Juliet's love.
A plague o' both your houses! is a catchphrase from William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The phrase is used to express irritation and irony regarding a dispute or conflict between two parties. It is considered one of the most famous expressions attributed to Shakespeare. [1]
The first known occurrences of the phrase are said to be in two earlier Elizabethan plays: Henry VI, Part 3 by Shakespeare, and an even earlier play, Caesar Interfectus, by Richard Edes. [3] The phrase is often used apart from the plays to signify an unexpected betrayal by a friend. There is no evidence that the historical Caesar spoke these words.
"Even a worm will turn" is an English language expression used to convey the message that even the meekest or most docile of creatures will retaliate or seek revenge if pushed too far. [1] The phrase was first recorded in a 1546 collection of proverbs by John Heywood , in the form "Treade a worme on the tayle, and it must turne agayne."
"All that glitters is not gold" is an aphorism stating that not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so.. While early expressions of the idea are known from at least the 12th–13th century, the current saying is derived from a 16th-century line by William Shakespeare, "All that glisters is not gold".