The Bard’s English

10 Shakespearean phrases we still use today

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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.

SOUNDTRACK OF A GENERATION

10 Legendary Albums And Their Secret Backstories

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Embark on a journey through the corridors of music history as we unveil the captivating tales behind some of the most iconic albums of the past decades. From legendary bands to solo ventures, each of these albums has a secret story that, in one way or another, contributed to their legacy in the annals of music.

Join us as we explore the lesser-known struggles behind these 10 timeless classics.

Image: Kreepin Deth, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Beatles' groundbreaking album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was born out of their desire to reinvent themselves at a point in their career where being The Beatles was becoming an increasingly dangerous (and tiresome) job.

Band members were in fear of their own fans, to the point where the lyrics of "With A Little Help From My Friends" originally said "What would you do if I sang out of tune? / Would you stand up and throw tomatoes at me?" but was changed because Ringo believed that would just be asking for tomatoes to the face.

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Pink Floyd's magnum opus, "The Dark Side of the Moon," was initially conceived as an exploration of the pressures musicians had to face within the industry. A series of interviews with the staff that worked at Abbey Road Studios were recorded - they even interviewed Paul McCartney! However, the thematic scope was ultimately expanded to delve into the more universal themes of madness, mortality, and the human condition.

The album was a huge success, and interestingly 10% of the proceeds from it were donated by the band to help fund British comedy troupe Monty Python.

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Michael Jackson's "Thriller" became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying his status as the King of Pop. However, making the legendary album was no walk in the park.

When the nine songs that would be released in the final version were finished, both Jackson and his producer were still dissatisfied with the results. They decided to go back to the studio and remix each song again until everything was perfect, a process that took over two months of intense work. But the effort was certainly worth it because the album not only shattered records but also helped transcend racial and cultural barriers in the music industry.

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Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" is a testament to the power of music amidst personal turmoil. Despite a number of soap opera-level internal conflicts and romantic entanglements within the band, they managed to stay focused and channel their emotions into a timeless masterpiece. Given the conditions, the entire album could have easily been a trainwreck, but the result was a piece so raw and powerful that it quickly became one of their most beloved releases.

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Before "Born to Run," Springsteen was an up-and-coming troubadour of the American Dream, still a long way from becoming "The Boss." Drawing from his blue-collar spirit and folk influences, his 1975 release was acclaimed by fans and critics alike, positioning alongside the rock greats, such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Bob Dylan.

The album, filled with anthemic songs and cinematic storytelling, resonated deeply with a generation that grew up longing for escape and redemption. In fact, the legend of Springsteen’s perfectionism was likely born during the recording of the album, as the title song alone took more than six months to finish!

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The Beatles' swan song, "Abbey Road," marked the culmination of their musical evolution. Although the tensions between band members were almost to the point of no return - for the promotional video, each Beatle was filmed separately - they managed to set aside their differences and create a collective masterpiece. Allegedly, the band’s longtime producer, George Martin, initially refused to participate in the album but was ultimately coaxed by the band into working with them one more time.

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Eagles' "Hotel California" epitomizes the excesses and lingering disillusionment of the 1970s California rock scene. With its haunting lyrics and mesmerizing guitar solos, the album captured the zeitgeist of its era, earning it a place in rock music history. Amusingly, lead guitarist Don Felder almost forgot the chords for the titular song, as more than a year had passed since he first recorded it, and the band had to call his housekeeper in Malibu to blast the original cassette recording through the phone until they could reconstruct it.

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Prince's "Purple Rain" was more than just an album, it was an ambitious crossover between cinema, music, and real life. Blending genres and exploring cultural taboos, Purple Rain served to showcase Prince’s virtuosity as a musician and enigmatic persona. Proof of the intense commitment that the project demanded, all band members were forced to take dancing classes before filming, and one of the lead actresses came perilously close to hospitalization due to hypothermia after shooting a scene on an ice-cold lake in Minnesota.

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A gritty and raw portrayal of life on the edge, and despite receiving mostly lukewarm reviews from the critics, The Rolling Stones’ "Sticky Fingers" was a huge commercial success - and proved that the band could still push forward and reinvent itself after the tragic events of the 1969 Altamont concert. From Andy Warhol’s provocative cover to the bluesy riffs, the whole album was a celebration of the rock and roll culture of excess and defiance.

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When The Beach Boys - a band mostly known for their sunny and carefree lyrics - released "Pet Sounds," an album filled with intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics, few could contain their surprise. The label was convinced it was going to flop, and wanted the songs to go in a different, more easygoing, direction. The change in trajectory, however, was quite deliberate on the part of the band, as they even hired a copywriter to help give the album’s lyrics more depth. Luckily, Brian Wilson’s genius prevailed and the release went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time.