The phrase “Beware the Ides of March” has become a cultural shorthand for a warning ignored, leading to a disastrous outcome. But do you know who helped solidify it so that we continue to use it today?
Stratford-upon-Avon’s favorite son, William Shakespeare.
The warning appears in Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, first performed in 1599. In the play, a soothsayer cautions Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March” before his assassination on March 15, 44 BC. But beyond this phrase, Shakespeare’s influence on the English language is profound—he coined, popularized, or solidified countless words and expressions we still use today.
Some of the Phrases We Owe to Shakespeare today are:
“In a pickle”
Meaning to be in a difficult or awkward situation, this idiom is thought to have originated with Shakespeare in The Tempest.
“Wild goose chase”
Referring to a pointless or futile pursuit, this phrase appears in Romeo and Juliet.
“Good riddance”
Expressing relief at someone or something leaving, this phrase is first found in Troilus and Cressida.
“Brave new world”
Used to describe an exciting yet uncertain future, this phrase comes from The Tempest.
“Green-eyed monster”
Shakespeare used this phrase in Othello to personify jealousy as a destructive force.
“Bated breath”
Meaning to hold one’s breath due to suspense, this phrase is from The Merchant of Venice.
Other words and expressions Shakespeare gave us:
- Addiction
- Critic
- Generous
- Manager
- Swagger
- Undress
- Bedazzled
- Eyeball
Some of his most famous lines have also entered common speech, including:
- “All the world’s a stage” (As You Like It)
- “All that glitters is not gold” (The Merchant of Venice)
- “The world is my oyster” (The Merry Wives of Windsor)
- “To thine own self be true” (Hamlet)
- “Wear your heart on your sleeve” (Othello)
- “Love is blind” (The Merchant of Venice)
So whether we’re breaking the ice, experiencing a wild goose chase, or fearing the green-eyed monster, we continue to speak Shakespeare’s words without even realizing it!
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