'With bated breath': Popular phrases coined by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's plays have long influenced our everyday language. Credit: PA

By Davina Fenton

William Shakespeare's legacy can be found in many of the sayings and phrase found in everyday language.

For example, how many times have you been "eaten out of house and home"? Well, that's a line from Henry IV, Part 2.

Been taken on a "wild-goose chase"? Romeo and Juliet is where that saying came from. Or maybe you've found yourself "in a pickle?" as found in The Tempest.

Here are some other popular "Shakespearisms":

  • "With bated breath" -The Merchant Of Venice

Spoken by Shylock, the original meaning was to speak in a hushed and humble voice, and was delivered with sarcasm and scorn. Today, it is used to more simply describe anticipation.

  • "The be all and end all" -Macbeth

Uttered by Macbeth as he ponders killing the king and usurping the crown, he wonders if the act of assassination is all he needs to do to sit on the throne. Today, it is used to describe a decisive end, or an all-consuming desire.

  • "Method to his madness" - Hamlet

This famous quote hailed from Polonius's remarks on Hamlet's state of mind.

  • "Break the ice" - The Taming Of The Shrew

Spoken by Tranio, telling Petruchio if he breaks the ice with Katherine, this may lead to a better relationship between them - in their case, a love-match.

William Shakespeare's works are responsible for many common sayings. Credit: PA

  • "Dead as a doornail" -Henry VI, Part II

A common phrase dating to at least the 14th century, which Shakespeare - and his character Jack Cade - helped enshrine for future generations.

  • "Faint-hearted" - Henry VI, Part I

The phrase had much the same meaning in Shakespeare's day as it does now, in describing alack of courage.

  • "Laughing-stock" - The Merry Wives Of Windsor

Sir Hugh Evans intends to duel Dr Caius, but when he realises the two men are being made fun of by spectators.

  • "Send him packing" - Henry IV, Part 1

The saying,meaning to send someone on their way ignominiously, has not changed since it was used by the character Falstaff.

  • "Too much of a good thing" - As You Like It

When Rosalind asks of Orlando if he can have too much of a good thing, it was delivered as asexually-suggestive pun, whereas today it is routinely used as a sober observation.

  • "Vanish into thin air" - Othello

Taken from his play Othello, Shakespeare wrote: "Then put up your pipes in your bag, for I'll away. Go; vanish into air; away!”