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.
1. Dog will have its day- It means that everyone will have their day that they will shine. It comes from 'Hamlet'.
2. What's done is done- which means that what is over and done with cannot be changed. From the play 'Macbeth'.
3. An eye-sore- someone that isn't very nice to look at. From the 'Taming of The Shrew'.
4. Wear my heart on my sleeve- it means that you show your emotions plainly for everyone to see. 'Othello' is the play it comes from.
5. To much of a good thing- Even the things that you love have a limit before it becomes horrible.
6. Good riddance- Something someone says when they aren't sorry to see it leave. 'Triolus and Cressida'
7. Puking- when someone vomits. It was first used in the play 'As You Like It.'
8. Break the ice- to make an uncomfortable situation more comfortable by saying or doing something. From the 'Taming of the Shrew.'
9. Elbow room- when you have enough space around you. From 'King John.'
10. In a pickle- in a bad situation, from 'The Tempest.'
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