William Shakespeare is unarguably the most influential character in English literature. A catalog of literary works with expressions that have enriched the English language continues in use well over 300 years since the genius walked this earth. Here are some common quotes and expressions you may or may not know were by Shakespeare:
As You Like It:
“True is it that we have seen better days”.
(Act II, Scene VII).
When next you say someone or something, like that old shirt in your wardrobe you are emotionally attached to, has “seen better days”. Make sure to remember why that expression exists.
Hamlet:
“To be, or not to be: that is the question”.
(Act III, Scene I)
This quote is one we throw out absentmindedly or while trying to make an impression
Hamlet:
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t.”
(Act II, Scene II).
Ahan! You have heard this somewhere… Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! That song ‘Method to my Madness’ by Bee Gees or that other song too.
Hamlet:
“Brevity is the soul of wit”.
(Act II, Scene II).
Recall that uncle who never stops talking about how the new generation has received the short end of the stick in education and makes it a duty to accentuate his speech with a Shakespearean line? That’s how he ends his long windy letters.
Hamlet:
“In my mind’s eye”.
(Act I, Scene II).
Frankly, not heard this in a while but I remember I would use it whenever I want to show off. It rolls off the tongue better than “I imagine”.
Hamlet:
“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”
(Act II, Scene VII).
Everyone has heard this. By everyone, I’m uncertain about Gen Z. It is a staple on Tributes and Obituaries
The Merry Wives of Windsor:
“This is the short and the long of it”.
(Act II, Scene II).
You may also switch the long and short. You would agree that this is more poetic than “In Summary”
The Merry Wives of Windsor:
“As good luck would have it”
(Act III, Scene V)
I am sorry, your friends don’t tell good stories if they don’t add “as luck/God would have it”. You lose points for not knowing this.
King Henry IV, Part II:
“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”.
(Act III, Scene I).
If you ever have been in charge of any group of people in school, you probably have heard your class teacher use this expression at least once. Humans are difficult to lead. Leadership is difficult.
King Henry the Sixth, Part I:
“Delays have dangerous ends”
(Act III, Scene II).
Or the less wordy “Delay is dangerous”. It means what it says; or in the words of Tuco Ramirez, “if you want to shoot, shoot. Don’t talk”
Taming of the Shrew:
“I ‘ll not budge an inch”
(Induction, Scene I).
Yeah-yeah… I won’t yield but still, it is better with Shakespeare
Julius Caesar:
“Cry “Havoc” and let slip the dogs of war”
(Act III, Scene I).
Yeah, you’ve seen ‘Cry Havoc’ or ‘Dogs of War’ on posters and paperbacks.
Julius Caesar:
“Et tu, Brute!”
(Act III, Scene I).
Naaahhh…. Remember that toddler’s expression when he found out he has been conned
Julius Caesar:
“Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings”.
(Act I, Scene II).
On every tv show, inspirational, (auto)biographical book released and soon to be released
Julius Caesar:
“But, for my own part, it was Greek to me”.
(Act I, Scene II).
“You are talking Greek” and other variants for when nothing makes sense.
Julius Caesar:
“A dish fit for the gods”.
(Act II, Scene I).
In the world of hyperboles, this is is rich.
Julius Caesar:
“Beware the ides of March”
(Act I, Scene II).
Politicians and newspaper columnists love this
Othello:
“T’is neither here nor there.”
(Act IV, Scene III).
When you can’t place it.
Twelfth Night:
“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”.
(Act II, Scene V).
Every politician, sycophant, and tribute
King Lear:
“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child!”
(Act I, Scene IV).
I know, I know, I know but keep it handy. You may need it.
King Lear:
“I am a man more sinned against than sinning”.
(Act III, Scene II).
Something Donald Trump would say a lot if he were a better speaker
