The Bard’s English

10 Shakespearean phrases we still use today

Credit: Dalton Smith

William Shakespeare’s influence on the English language is unparalleled, and he is often regarded as one of the most significant figures in classical literature. Beyond his famous dramatic works, Shakespeare also created and popularized many words and phrases that are still in use today. From finding yourself "in a pickle" to having "too much of a good thing," the Bard’s influence on everyday language just can’t be ignored! Join us as we explore 10 words and phrases that owe their existence to Shakespeare.

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Shakespeare coined the phrase "to break the ice" in The Taming of the Shrew. The phrase refers to overcoming awkwardness when meeting someone new. This was metaphorical, likening human interaction to cracking through ice, a common symbol of tension and social distance.

Today, the phrase is almost universal in social and professional contexts. There are even "icebreaker" activities to help people introduce themselves or get acquainted quickly in gatherings.

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In Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio (a close friend to Romeo in the play) refers to a "wild-goose chase" during a playful exchange, describing a type of racing where riders follow the unpredictable path of the lead horse, much like geese in flight.

The modern sense of the phrase describes any frustrating or aimless pursuit, often with no clear resolution. In any case, the underlying idea of chasing something elusive or unattainable remains.

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Shakespeare used "in a pickle" in The Tempest when King Alonso questioned Trinculo’s confused state. At the time in England, being "in a pickle" actually referred to being inebriated, likening the state of drunkenness to food submerged in brine.

Over time, the metaphor got simplified and evolved to mean "in a tough spot," much like a cucumber trapped in a briny jar.

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In Henry V, Shakespeare described a character as having a "heart of gold," praising his noble character and good nature. The phrase stuck and became a timeless symbol of virtue and kindness.

This phrase remains a powerful compliment today. When we say someone has a heart of gold, we emphasize their goodness and selflessness, which is certainly a testament to Shakespeare’s ability to craft universally understood metaphors.

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This famous line from The Merchant of Venice warns against trusting appearances. "All that glitters is not gold" reminds us that what shines on the surface may hide less valuable qualities beneath.

It is now a common English proverb, used as a warning in various contexts. While Shakespeare did not invent it, he likely adapted the idea from earlier sources, popularizing it in its modern form.

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In Henry IV, Part 2, Shakespeare used "break the news" to refer to revealing important or often unpleasant information. The phrase quickly gained traction and became part of common speech.

Today, "breaking the news" usually involves delivering sensitive or significant information, whether in personal conversations or in the media. It’s a staple phrase in journalism.

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In Othello, Shakespeare’s character Iago says he will "wear his heart upon his sleeve," meaning he will show his emotions openly.

This phrase is widely used today to describe someone who is emotionally transparent. It captures the idea of being vulnerable or honest about one’s feelings, another example of Shakespeare’s universal and enduring insight into human emotions.

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Shakespeare introduced this phrase in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Originally, it conveyed the idea of cracking open opportunities, much like opening an oyster to reveal a pearl within.

Today, the expression is closely associated with optimism and ambition, carrying the notion that the world is filled with untapped potential waiting to be discovered and exploited.

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In As You Like It, Shakespeare’s characters learn that excess—even of something desirable—can lead to negative outcomes. This phrase was likely inspired by older proverbs, but it was popularized by the Bard of Avon.

The modern interpretation of this idiom remains nearly identical to its original use, cautioning against overindulgence.

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Shakespeare coined this phrase and used it in several of his plays, like The Tempest and King John. In his writings, the expression always describes honest and just behavior.

The term "fair play" is now associated with equitable treatment and ethical conduct, especially in sports, but it’s also used in various everyday scenarios where fairness is to be promoted.

UNBELIEVABLE ADVENTURES

10 Of The Most Daring Expeditions In Human History

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Throughout history, humans have always had an innate desire to venture into the unknown, continuously pushing the boundaries of exploration, even when it means taking enormous personal risks.

From conquering the highest peaks to traversing hostile and uncharted territories, these 10 expeditions redefined human limits and expanded our understanding of the world.

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Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition sought to explore the uncharted American West. Over two grueling years, the Corps of Discovery—a select group of U.S. Army and civilian volunteers—traversed the vast American wilderness, studying its geography, nature, and making contact with local Native American tribes.

This grand adventure would become a pivotal point in the history of the United States, and both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are remembered as true pioneers who shaped the nation's destiny.

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In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to summit Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak. Their historic ascent marked a milestone in mountaineering history, showcasing the triumph of human determination and teamwork.

For Hillary—who Queen Elizabeth II promptly knighted—and many other participants of the expedition, however, this achievement was just the beginning of their stellar mountaineering careers.

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Roald Amundsen's quest to traverse the treacherous Northwest Passage in the Arctic waters is truly a testament to human determination. In 1903, aboard the Gjøa, his crew became the first to successfully traverse this perilous Arctic route, thus unlocking a coveted maritime passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

To achieve this feat, they had to endure incredibly harsh conditions while navigating through icy waters, relying significantly on crucial Arctic survival skills learned from the local Inuit population, which played a vital role in their survival.

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In 1932, Amelia Earhart made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In a single-engine Lockheed Vega 5B, and a mere five years after Charles Lindbergh's groundbreaking solo flight, she embarked on a difficult journey that spanned over 14 hours.

Battling fierce winds and a host of mechanical challenges, she persevered until touching down safely in a pasture in Northern Ireland. Despite her tragic disappearance a few years later, Earhart's remarkable feats shattered gender stereotypes of the time and she still is an enduring inspiration for aviators everywhere.

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In 1947, Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl embarked on a daring voyage across the Pacific Ocean aboard a primitive raft named Kon-Tiki. Heyerdahl's expedition sought to prove that ancient civilizations could have made transoceanic voyages, challenging historical knowledge of the time.

Even though the voyage didn’t prove that any significant migration of humans could have happened this way, Heyerdahl’s journey is remembered to this day for its audacity in the pursuit of knowledge and its great spirit of adventure.

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Inspired by the expeditions of 19th-century Swedish geographer Sven Hedin, the archaeologist Aurel Stein embarked in the 1930s on a series of expeditions along the ancient route of the Silk Road—the trading network that connected Europe with Eastern Asia in the 15th century.

Along the way, he uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts and manuscripts from forgotten civilizations, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Credit: Olav Bjaaland (1873–1961)

Famously stubborn Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen beat his rival Robert Falcon Scott in the race to the South Pole in 1911. Despite facing almost insurmountable obstacles, Amundsen's meticulous planning and leadership ensured the success of his expedition without loss of life, securing his place in history.

Tragically, the rival Terra Nova Expedition led by Scott met a dark fate, highlighting the harsh realities and unforgiving nature of polar exploration.

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Despite falling short of its original goal to traverse the Antarctic continent, Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition of 1914-1917 is indelibly etched in history due to its heroic nature. Stranded in the icy waters of Antarctica after their ship was crushed by unexpectedly thick ice, Shackleton and his crew endured unimaginable hardships, yet miraculously all survived.

It would take more than forty years before the first successful crossing of Antarctica was achieved, accomplished by the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1955 to 1958.

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No exploration-themed article would be truly complete without a mention of NASA’s Apollo program. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin accomplished the unimaginable, stepping onto the lunar surface after traversing vast expanses of void space.

Their monumental achievement marked a breaking point in human history, igniting a newfound confidence in humanity's ability to reach beyond earthly confines.

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Although no humans were aboard this mission, it still was a groundbreaking achievement for humanity. In 1997, NASA's Pathfinder mission launched the Sojourner rover, marking the first successful deployment of a robotic rover on the surface of Mars.

Sojourner, a compact six-wheeled vehicle equipped with scientific instruments, paved the way for future Mars exploration by demonstrating the feasibility of mobile robotic exploration on the rocky Martian terrain.