8 Phrases Popularized by Shakespeare That Are Still Commonly Used Today

8 Phrases Popularized by Shakespeare That Are Still Commonly Used Today

1. "Break the ice": This phrase, meaning to relieve tension, was popularized in "The Taming of the Shrew."

2. "Wild-goose chase": Used to describe a pointless pursuit, this phrase originated in "Romeo and Juliet."

3. "Green-eyed monster": This vivid metaphor for jealousy comes from "Othello."

4. "Heart of gold": Describing someone kind and generous, this phrase appears in "Henry V."

5. "Vanish into thin air": Meaning to disappear without a trace, this phrase is from "The Tempest."

6. "All that glitters is not gold": While the sentiment existed before, Shakespeare popularized it in "The Merchant of Venice."

7. "The world is my oyster": Expressing a sense of limitless opportunity, this phrase comes from "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

8. "In a pickle": This phrase meaning to be in a difficult situation, was popularized by Shakespeare in the play “The Tempest”.