Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety

Definitions

• praise someone
  Highlighting someone's enduring qualities and abilities, regardless of their age or the passage of time

• admiration and awe
  Expressing admiration and awe for someone who remains vibrant and versatile despite the passage of time

Examples of Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety

• Ophelia's beauty, despite her advanced age, has not faded. In fact, her unique and ever-changing features continue to captivate those around her.

  This is an example of the idiom "age cannot wither her" which means that someone's beauty or charm is not diminished by the passage of time. In this case, Ophelia is being described as a timeless beauty whose features remain vibrant and captivating. The second part of the idiom, "nor custom stale her infinite variety," adds to the description by emphasizing that Ophelia's beauty is not only timeless but also constantly evolving and unique. "Custom" here refers to the habits or expectations of others, and "stale" means to become dull or uninteresting. By stating that custom cannot make Ophelia's beauty dull or predictable, the idiom highlights the idea that she remains fresh and captivating, even in the face of societal norms and expectations. Overall, this idiom is often used to describe someone who has a timeless and unique beauty that is not diminished by age or societal norms.

Conclusion

This idiom is often used to praise and admire someone who possesses remarkable and enduring qualities. It suggests that despite the inevitable effects of aging and the familiarity that comes with time, this person remains unique and versatile.

Origin of "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra." In Act II, Scene 2, Cleopatra says to her servant Enobarbus, "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety." She is referring to herself and her ability to constantly surprise and captivate those around her, even as she grows older.

Shakespeare's use of this phrase showcases the power and beauty of Cleopatra's character, which remains untouched by time and familiarity. It also highlights the idea that an individual's true essence and uniqueness cannot be diminished by external factors such as age or routine.

Today, this idiom is often used in a more general sense to praise and admire someone who possesses remarkable qualities and remains vibrant and versatile despite the passage of time. It serves as a reminder that true beauty and value come from within, and cannot be affected by external factors.