PhrasesHub

Shakespeare - Words coined by William Shakespeare

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • dishonesty
        Refer to someone's deceitful or untrustworthy behavior

      • fake appearance
        Describe something that appears genuine or real, but is actually false or insincere

    Examples of Shakespeare - Words coined by William Shakespeare

    • Don't waste your time on a wild-goose chase trying to find your keys. They're most likely on the kitchen table.

      A wild-goose chase is a futile or pointless pursuit or search for something, often because the object is not to be found or because the search is misguided. This idiom originated from the hunting practice of chasing wild geese as a sport, which could sometimes lead to a fruitless chase if the birds flew too far away.2. Flutter by (A Midsummer Night's Dream)

    • The butterfly fluttered by, adorned in vibrant colors.

      To flutter by is to pass quickly and briefly by, often with a display of bright colors or attractive qualities. This idiom is derived from the way butterflies move, fluttering from one place to another with quick, light wing movements.3. Break the ice (Love's Labor's Lost)

    • Let's break the ice by introducing ourselves and sharing a bit about our backgrounds.

      To break the ice is to ease tension or awkwardness in a social situation by starting off with something unremarkable, lighthearted, or easy to agree with. This idiom originated from the practice of throwing a large object, such as an axe or a block of ice, onto a frozen body of water to shatter the smooth outer layer before skating or fishing begins.4. Vain hope (Henry IV, Part II)

    • Holding onto vain hopes will only bring disappointment and despair.

      A vain hope is a futile or idle expectation that is unlikely to be fulfilled or achieved. This idiom implies that to perpetuate such hopes is a waste of time and energy, as it leads to disappointment and despair when the desired outcome does not materialize.

    • "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." (As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII)

      This is a metaphorical expression, comparing the world to a stage and people's lives to a play. It highlights the role-playing aspect of living and the fact that people enter and exit different stages in their lives.

    • "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefor art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name;..." (Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II)

      This is an idiomatic expression used to urge someone to do something. Here, Juliet is encouraging Romeo to disown his heritage and change his identity so they can be together.

    • "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." (Twelfth Night, Act II, Scene II)

      This is a statement that highlights the different ways people can become great. It gives three possible scenarios, emphasizing that greatness is not necessarily innate, but can also be earned or forced on someone.

    • "Break the ice" (The Taming of the Shrew, Act III, Scene II)

      This is a figurative expression used to indicate breaking through initial awkwardness or tension. Here, it is used by Petruchio to ease the entry of his guests into his house.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Shakespeare - Words coined by William Shakespeare" can be used to discourage someone from a particular action, to refer to dishonest behavior, or to describe something as having a fake appearance. It is a versatile idiom that can be applied in various contexts to convey different meanings.

    Origin of "Shakespeare - Words coined by William Shakespeare"

    The idiom "Shakespeare - Words coined by William Shakespeare" originates from the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare, who is known for coining and popularizing many words and phrases in the English language. Shakespeare's works, including his plays and sonnets, are filled with idiomatic expressions that have stood the test of time and become part of everyday language. These expressions often reflect the human experience and have been embraced for their rich and vivid imagery.

    Shakespeare's contribution to the English language is immense, and many idioms and phrases attributed to him are still widely used today. His creative and innovative use of language has had a lasting impact on English literature and has influenced the way we communicate. The idiom "Shakespeare - Words coined by William Shakespeare" serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of one of the greatest writers in the English language. Examples of idioms coined by Shakespeare include "break the ice," "wild-goose chase," and "in a pickle."