William Shakespeare’s influence on the English language is tremendous. It is estimated that he is responsible for coining hundreds of new words and phrases that have survived the test of time and remain a part of our speech today. Although it can not be said with absolute certainty whether or not Shakespeare invented these words and phrases himself, there is a long list of words that appear for the first time in his plays. You might be surprised to discover that some of the phrases and words that you hear everyday were first written 400 years ago by William Shakespeare.
Your task is to research words and phrases that Shakespeare has been attributed with inventing. Choose 10 words or phrases that were introduced by Shakespeare that you use or have heard used. Give a definition of each word or phrase and tell me which of Shakespeare’s plays each one of your selections comes from.
Swift as a shadow (A Midsummer Nights Dream)-As sneaky and quick
In my minds eye (Hamlet)- Imagination and thoughts; the way you see things in your mind.
In a pickle (The Tempest)-In trouble
In my heart of hearts (Hamlet)-Deepest wishes.
Love is blind (Merchant of Venice)- Love is not shallow. It is sometimes irrational because our heart does not use all of our senses to determine how it feels.
Not slept one wink (Cymbeline)-Did not sleep at all.
Out of the jaws of death (Twelfth Night)-Near death experience.
A sorry sight (Macbeth)- A common expression for someone or something that is sad to see or in bad condition.
Knock knock! Who's there? (Macbeth)-A common phrase used in jokes.
What's done is done (Macbeth)- Cannot go back.
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