William Shakespeare lived hundreds of years ago, but his words are still alive today! Many fun and common English expressions we use every day actually come from his famous plays. These expressions are called Shakespeare idioms, and they show how powerful and creative language can be—even after many years.
At first, Shakespeare’s language may sound old or confusing, especially for kids. But when we break it down in a simple way, his idioms become exciting and easy to understand. These phrases are often about feelings, friendships, choices, and everyday situations—things kids can easily relate to. That’s why people still love using Shakespeare idioms in books, movies, and conversations.
Learning Shakespeare idioms helps kids understand where English expressions come from. It also builds curiosity about stories, drama, and history. Instead of memorizing hard words, kids get to enjoy fun phrases that add color and meaning to their language.
This guide makes Shakespeare idioms friendly and fun for young learners. With clear explanations and a playful approach, kids can explore famous expressions from old plays and see how they still fit into modern English today.
🔢 Number & Time Shakespeare Idioms
These idioms talk about time, luck, and moments—things Shakespeare loved writing about!
1. The Game Is Up
Meaning: Something is finished or discovered.
- When the surprise was revealed, the game was up.
- He couldn’t hide the truth anymore—the game was up.
2. In a Pickle
Meaning: In a tricky or confusing situation.
- She was in a pickle when she forgot her homework.
- He got in a pickle by choosing the wrong answer.
3. Foregone Conclusion
Meaning: Something that will definitely happen.
- The race was short, and her win was a foregone conclusion.
- Once he practiced daily, success was a foregone conclusion.
4. Short and Sweet
Meaning: Brief but nice.
- Her speech was short and sweet.
- The story was short and sweet but fun.
5. A Wild-Goose Chase
Meaning: Looking for something that’s hard or impossible to find.
- Searching for the missing sock felt like a wild-goose chase.
- The clue led them on a wild-goose chase.
🐾 Animal Shakespeare Idioms
Shakespeare often used animals in clever ways to describe people and actions.
6. Dead as a Doornail
Meaning: Completely finished or not working.
- My old toy is dead as a doornail.
- That idea is dead as a doornail now.
7. Like a Cat on Hot Bricks
Meaning: Feeling nervous or anxious.
- He was like a cat on hot bricks before the test.
- She felt jumpy and couldn’t sit still.
8. Cold-Blooded
Meaning: Mean or without kindness.
- Taking toys without sharing is cold-blooded.
- The villain acted in a cold-blooded way.
9. Break the Ice
Meaning: Make people feel comfortable.
- She told a joke to break the ice.
- Playing a game helped break the ice.
🏠 Everyday Life Shakespeare Idioms
These idioms are still used daily at school, home, and with friends.
10. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Meaning: Show your feelings openly.
- He wears his heart on his sleeve when he’s excited.
- She was sad and showed it right away.
11. Laughing Stock
Meaning: Someone everyone laughs at.
- He became a laughing stock after the silly mistake.
- She didn’t want to be the laughing stock.
12. All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Meaning: Not everything shiny is good.
- The toy looked cool, but all that glitters is not gold.
- He learned that looks can be tricky.
13. Heart of Gold
Meaning: Very kind and caring.
- She has a heart of gold and helps everyone.
- Sharing snacks showed his heart of gold.
🍎 Food & Feeling Shakespeare Idioms
Some Shakespeare idioms mix food, feelings, and fun ideas!
14. Eat Someone Out of House and Home
Meaning: Eat a lot of someone else’s food.
- Guests ate us out of house and home!
- The kids ate snacks nonstop.
15. The World Is Your Oyster
Meaning: You can do anything you want.
- With practice, the world is your oyster.
- She felt like the world was her oyster.
16. Give the Devil His Due
Meaning: Admit something good about someone.
- Even rivals can be praised—give the devil his due.
- He played well, so give the devil his due.
17. Food for Thought
Meaning: Something to think about.
- That story gave me food for thought.
- The question was real food for thought.
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🎭 More Shakespeare Idioms (Continued)
18. Break the Ice
Meaning: Make people feel comfortable or relaxed.
- He told a joke to break the ice in class.
- Games help break the ice on the first day of school.
19. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Meaning: Show your feelings openly.
- She wears her heart on her sleeve when she’s happy.
- He cried easily because he wears his heart on his sleeve.
20. Laughing Stock
Meaning: Someone others laugh at.
- He became the laughing stock after tripping.
- She didn’t want to be the laughing stock at school.
21. All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Meaning: Not everything that looks good is good.
- The toy looked cool, but it broke quickly.
- He learned that all that glitters is not gold.
22. Heart of Gold
Meaning: Very kind and caring.
- She has a heart of gold and helps everyone.
- Sharing snacks showed his heart of gold.
23. In a Pickle
Meaning: In a tricky situation.
- He was in a pickle without his homework.
- She got into a pickle choosing the wrong door.
24. Short and Sweet
Meaning: Quick and pleasant.
- The story was short and sweet.
- Her speech was short and sweet.
25. Wild-Goose Chase
Meaning: A silly or useless search.
- Looking for the lost toy felt like a wild-goose chase.
- The clue sent them on a wild-goose chase.
26. Cold-Blooded
Meaning: Mean or unkind.
- Taking toys without sharing is cold-blooded.
- The villain acted in a cold-blooded way.
27. Dead as a Doornail
Meaning: Completely finished or broken.
- My old watch is dead as a doornail.
- That plan is dead as a doornail.
28. Green-Eyed Monster
Meaning: Jealousy.
- The green-eyed monster appeared when she lost.
- He felt jealous but tried to ignore it.
29. Come What May
Meaning: No matter what happens.
- I’ll try my best, come what may.
- They stayed brave, come what may.
30. Brave New World
Meaning: Something new and exciting.
- Starting school felt like a brave new world.
- The trip opened a brave new world for her.
31. At One Fell Swoop
Meaning: All at once.
- He cleaned his room at one fell swoop.
- The lights went out at one fell swoop.
32. In Dire Straits
Meaning: In serious trouble.
- The team was in dire straits before the test.
- She felt in dire straits when she lost her book.
33. Method in the Madness
Meaning: A strange plan that actually works.
- His messy desk had method in the madness.
- Her unusual study plan worked—method in the madness!
34. Plain as Day
Meaning: Very clear and easy to see.
- The answer was plain as day.
- His smile made it plain as day he was happy.
35. Own Flesh and Blood
Meaning: Family members.
- She helped her own flesh and blood.
- Family means caring for your flesh and blood.
36. Seen Better Days
Meaning: Old or worn out.
- My shoes have seen better days.
- That book bag has seen better days.
37. Better Part of Valor
Meaning: Being wise by stopping or staying safe.
- Walking away was the better part of valor.
- He chose safety—the better part of valor.
38. In the Mind’s Eye
Meaning: In your imagination.
- I pictured the story in my mind’s eye.
- She saw the scene in her mind’s eye.
39. What’s Done Is Done
Meaning: The past can’t be changed.
- He learned not to worry—what’s done is done.
- She fixed the next problem and moved on.
40. All’s Well That Ends Well
Meaning: A good ending makes everything okay.
- The game was tough, but all’s well that ends well.
- They struggled, but all’s well that ends well.
🌟 Life, Choices & Wise Shakespeare Idioms
41. To Be or Not to Be
Meaning: A big choice to think about.
- He wondered whether to play or study—to be or not to be.
- Choosing ice cream flavors felt like to be or not to be!
42. Come to Grips With
Meaning: Accept and deal with something.
- She came to grips with the new rules.
- He came to grips with losing the game.
43. At Your Wits’ End
Meaning: Very confused or frustrated.
- He was at his wits’ end solving the puzzle.
- She felt at her wits’ end cleaning the mess.
44. Foregone Conclusion
Meaning: Something that is sure to happen.
- Her win was a foregone conclusion.
- Everyone knew the answer—it was a foregone conclusion.
45. Food for Thought
Meaning: Something worth thinking about.
- The teacher’s question gave food for thought.
- That story gave him food for thought.
46. Give the Devil His Due
Meaning: Admit something good about someone.
- Even rivals deserve praise—give the devil his due.
- He played fairly, so give the devil his due.
47. In the Clear
Meaning: Safe or free from trouble.
- After finishing homework, she was in the clear.
- He followed the rules and stayed in the clear.
48. Break the Spell
Meaning: Stop something magical or surprising.
- The loud noise broke the spell.
- Laughing broke the spell of silence.
49. A Sorry Sight
Meaning: Something unpleasant to see.
- The messy room was a sorry sight.
- The broken bike was a sorry sight.
50. Hit Below the Belt
Meaning: Be unfair or hurtful.
- Teasing someone’s mistake is hitting below the belt.
- He apologized for hitting below the belt.
🌈 Feelings, Friendship & Human Nature Shakespeare Idioms
51. Wear Many Hats
Meaning: Do many different jobs or roles.
- The teacher wears many hats at school.
- At home, Mom wears many hats every day.
52. Heart on Fire
Meaning: Full of passion or strong feelings.
- His heart was on fire for drawing.
- She spoke with a heart on fire about her dreams.
53. Soft Spot
Meaning: A special place of kindness in your heart.
- He has a soft spot for puppies.
- She has a soft spot for her little brother.
54. Out of the Question
Meaning: Impossible or not allowed.
- Skipping homework was out of the question.
- Running indoors is out of the question.
55. In One Ear and Out the Other
Meaning: Not remembering what you hear.
- The rules went in one ear and out the other.
- He forgot instructions right away.
56. Give Someone the Cold Shoulder
Meaning: Ignore someone.
- She gave him the cold shoulder after the argument.
- Ignoring friends can hurt feelings.
57. Fair Play
Meaning: Acting honestly and kindly.
- Winning feels good when there is fair play.
- The teacher praised fair play during the game.
58. Kindness Milked
Meaning: Taking advantage of kindness.
- He learned not to milk kindness too much.
- Saying thank you shows respect.
59. Heartbreak
Meaning: Feeling very sad.
- Losing her pet caused heartbreak.
- He felt heartbreak after the farewell.
60. Patch Things Up
Meaning: Fix a problem or friendship.
- They talked and patched things up.
- Saying sorry helped patch things up.
⏳ Time, Change & Life Lessons Shakespeare Idioms
61. Time Will Tell
Meaning: The answer will be known later.
- Time will tell if the plan works.
- We’ll see what happens—time will tell.
62. Passed the Point of No Return
Meaning: Too late to stop now.
- Once the game started, it passed the point of no return.
- He had already made his choice.
63. Ripening Years
Meaning: Growing older and wiser.
- In his ripening years, he learned patience.
- Practice brings wisdom in ripening years.
64. Slip Through Your Fingers
Meaning: Miss a chance.
- The opportunity slipped through his fingers.
- She acted quickly so it didn’t slip away.
65. Wheel of Fortune
Meaning: Luck can change.
- The wheel of fortune turned in her favor.
- Bad days can become good ones.
66. A Turn of Events
Meaning: Something unexpected happens.
- The rain was a sudden turn of events.
- The story took a fun turn of events.
67. Fleeting Moment
Meaning: Something that doesn’t last long.
- The happiness was a fleeting moment.
- Enjoy fun—it can be fleeting.
68. Golden Time
Meaning: A perfect moment.
- Morning was the golden time to study.
- Recess is golden time for kids.
69. Age Cannot Wither
Meaning: Something stays special forever.
- Her smile age cannot wither.
- True kindness never fades.
70. Full Circle
Meaning: Ending where you started.
- The story came full circle.
- He returned to his favorite hobby—full circle.
🧠 Learning, Wisdom & Smart Thinking Shakespeare Idioms
71. Know Yourself
Meaning: Understand who you are.
- He learned to know himself better.
- Knowing yourself builds confidence.
72. Measure for Measure
Meaning: Treat others as they treat you.
- Kindness deserves kindness in return.
- Measure for measure teaches fairness.
73. Truth Will Out
Meaning: The truth always appears.
- The truth will out, even if hidden.
- Honesty always wins.
74. Words Without Thoughts
Meaning: Saying things carelessly.
- He learned words without thoughts can hurt.
- Thinking before speaking is important.
75. Knowledge Is Power
Meaning: Learning makes you stronger.
- Reading daily builds power.
- Knowledge is power in school and life.
🌟 Courage, Strength & Personal Growth Shakespeare Idioms
76. Screw Your Courage to the Sticking Place
Meaning: Be brave and determined.
- She screwed her courage to the sticking place before the performance.
- He took a deep breath and tried again.
77. Face the Music
Meaning: Accept the results of your actions.
- He had to face the music after breaking the rule.
- Telling the truth helped him face the music.
78. Rise Like a Phoenix
Meaning: Become strong again after trouble.
- She rose like a phoenix after failing the test.
- He practiced hard and rose like a phoenix.
79. A Tower of Strength
Meaning: Someone very strong and helpful.
- Dad was a tower of strength during tough times.
- The teacher stayed calm and supportive.
80. Stand Your Ground
Meaning: Stick to your beliefs.
- She stood her ground during the discussion.
- He stood his ground politely but firmly.
81. Take Heart
Meaning: Feel hopeful.
- Take heart—you’re getting better every day.
- He took heart after hearing kind words.
82. Bear the Burden
Meaning: Carry responsibility.
- She helped bear the burden at home.
- Sharing work helps everyone.
83. True Grit
Meaning: Real courage and strength.
- Finishing the race showed true grit.
- He showed true grit by not giving up.
84. Bold as Brass
Meaning: Very brave or confident.
- She was bold as brass raising her hand.
- He walked in bold as brass.
85. Hold Fast
Meaning: Don’t give up.
- Hold fast and keep trying.
- She held fast to her dream.
🌍 Change, Luck & Life’s Ups and Downs Shakespeare Idioms
86. The Tide Has Turned
Meaning: Things have changed.
- The tide turned when help arrived.
- Practice helped the tide turn.
87. Luck Be a Lady
Meaning: Hoping luck will help you.
- He whispered, “Luck be a lady,” before the test.
- She hoped luck was on her side.
88. Fall From Grace
Meaning: Lose respect.
- Cheating caused him to fall from grace.
- Doing the right thing keeps respect.
89. Fortune Favors the Brave
Meaning: Brave people often succeed.
- She tried something new—fortune favors the brave.
- Speaking up showed bravery.
90. Change of Heart
Meaning: Decide differently.
- He had a change of heart and shared.
- She changed her mind after thinking.
91. A Turning Point
Meaning: A big change moment.
- That practice was a turning point.
- The book test was a turning point.
92. On Shaky Ground
Meaning: Not safe or certain.
- His excuse was on shaky ground.
- The plan felt shaky at first.
93. Take a Leap of Faith
Meaning: Try without knowing the result.
- She took a leap of faith joining the team.
- Trying something new takes courage.
94. Winds of Change
Meaning: New things are coming.
- The classroom felt different—winds of change.
- A new teacher brought winds of change.
95. Fate Has Other Plans
Meaning: Things happen differently than expected.
- He missed the bus, but fate had other plans.
- Sometimes surprises are good.
🧩 Choices, Actions & Responsibility Shakespeare Idioms
96. Play Your Part
Meaning: Do your role.
- Everyone must play their part.
- He played his part in cleaning up.
97. Set Things Right
Meaning: Fix a mistake.
- Saying sorry helped set things right.
- Fixing errors sets things right.
98. Take the High Road
Meaning: Choose kindness.
- She took the high road instead of arguing.
- Being kind is always best.
99. Answer for It
Meaning: Be responsible.
- He had to answer for the mess.
- Actions need responsibility.
100. Leave No Stone Unturned
Meaning: Try everything.
- She left no stone unturned studying.
- He searched everywhere.
🌟 Friendship, Trust & Social Life Shakespeare Idioms
101. As Good as It Gets
Meaning: The best possible.
- Winning the prize felt as good as it gets.
- A sunny playtime is as good as it gets.
102. Fair Is Foul, and Foul Is Fair
Meaning: Things aren’t always what they seem.
- The trick looked fair, but it wasn’t.
- He learned that appearances can fool you.
103. Thick and Thin
Meaning: Through good and bad times.
- Friends stick together through thick and thin.
- She stayed kind through thick and thin.
104. Broken Trust
Meaning: When trust is lost.
- Lying caused broken trust.
- Saying sorry helped fix broken trust.
105. Make Peace
Meaning: Stop fighting and be friendly.
- They made peace after the argument.
- Sharing toys helped make peace.
106. Give Someone the Benefit of the Doubt
Meaning: Believe someone might be right.
- She gave him the benefit of the doubt.
- Trust helps friendships grow.
107. Keep Someone in the Dark
Meaning: Not tell the truth.
- Keeping secrets can hurt feelings.
- It’s better not to keep people in the dark.
108. Bind Them Together
Meaning: Bring people close.
- Teamwork bound them together.
- Shared goals bind friends together.
109. Speak Kind Words
Meaning: Use gentle language.
- Kind words make others happy.
- Speaking kindly builds trust.
110. Stand by Someone
Meaning: Support a person.
- She stood by her friend.
- Standing by others shows loyalty.
⏳ School, Learning & Growing Up Shakespeare Idioms
111. Learn by Heart
Meaning: Memorize something.
- He learned the poem by heart.
- Practice helps you learn by heart.
112. School of Hard Knocks
Meaning: Learning from mistakes.
- She learned through the school of hard knocks.
- Mistakes teach good lessons.
113. Slow and Steady
Meaning: Take your time and do it right.
- Slow and steady helped him finish.
- Rushing isn’t always best.
114. Turn Over a New Leaf
Meaning: Start fresh and do better.
- He turned over a new leaf at school.
- Every day is a chance to start again.
115. The Way of the World
Meaning: How things usually happen.
- Sharing teaches the way of the world.
- Learning rules is part of life.
116. Seed of Kindness
Meaning: A small good action.
- A smile planted a seed of kindness.
- Small acts grow big kindness.
117. Growing Pains
Meaning: Early difficulties while learning.
- New work brings growing pains.
- Practice helps pass growing pains.
118. Make Your Mark
Meaning: Do something special.
- She made her mark in art class.
- Trying hard helps you shine.
119. Shape Your Future
Meaning: Help decide what happens later.
- Learning today shapes your future.
- Good choices shape tomorrow.
120. Find Your Footing
Meaning: Get comfortable in a new place.
- He found his footing at the new school.
- It takes time to settle in.
🎯 Effort, Goals & Never Giving Up Shakespeare Idioms
121. Eyes on the Prize
Meaning: Stay focused on your goal.
- Keep your eyes on the prize.
- Practice helps you stay focused.
122. Worth the Wait
Meaning: Good things take time.
- Finishing the book was worth the wait.
- Practice is always worth it.
123. Step Into Your Power
Meaning: Believe in yourself.
- She stepped into her power.
- Confidence helps you succeed.
124. Reach New Heights
Meaning: Do better than before.
- He reached new heights in reading.
- Practice helped her improve.
125. Stand Tall
Meaning: Be proud and confident.
- She stood tall after success.
- Doing your best lets you stand tall.
🚀 Confidence, Success & Moving Forward Shakespeare Idioms
126. Play Your Cards Right
Meaning: Make smart choices.
- He played his cards right and finished early.
- Studying first helped her play her cards right.
127. Rise to the Occasion
Meaning: Do well when needed.
- She rose to the occasion during the quiz.
- He rose to the occasion and helped the team.
128. Put Your Mind to It
Meaning: Focus and try hard.
- You can do it if you put your mind to it.
- She put her mind to reading and improved.
129. Seize the Day
Meaning: Make the most of today.
- He seized the day and learned something new.
- Playing and learning helped her seize the day.
130. A Step in the Right Direction
Meaning: A good beginning.
- Finishing one page was a step in the right direction.
- Small improvement is still progress.
131. Find Your Voice
Meaning: Speak up confidently.
- She found her voice during class discussion.
- Writing stories helped him find his voice.
132. Stand Out From the Crowd
Meaning: Be different in a good way.
- Her artwork stood out from the crowd.
- Kindness helps you stand out from the crowd.
133. Build on Success
Meaning: Keep improving after doing well.
- He built on success by practicing more.
- Winning once helped her believe.
134. Take Pride In
Meaning: Feel happy about what you do.
- She took pride in her clean handwriting.
- He took pride in helping others.
135. Grow in Confidence
Meaning: Feel more sure of yourself over time.
- Reading aloud helped her grow in confidence.
- Practice helped him grow in confidence.
🌟 Character, Honesty & Doing What’s Right Shakespeare Idioms
136. True to Yourself
Meaning: Be honest about who you are.
- She stayed true to herself.
- Being kind means staying true.
137. Walk the Straight Path
Meaning: Do the right thing.
- He chose to walk the straight path.
- Honesty keeps you on track.
138. Clear Your Conscience
Meaning: Feel better by telling the truth.
- Saying sorry cleared his conscience.
- Being honest cleared her conscience.
139. The Honest Truth
Meaning: The real truth.
- He told the honest truth.
- Owning mistakes builds trust.
140. Lead by Example
Meaning: Show others how to act.
- The teacher led by example.
- Helping others shows leadership.
141. Above Reproach
Meaning: Without blame.
- Her behavior was above reproach.
- Following rules keeps things fair.
142. Keep a Clean Slate
Meaning: Start fresh without mistakes.
- Each day is a clean slate.
- Forgiveness gives a clean slate.
143. Speak From the Heart
Meaning: Be honest and kind when speaking.
- She spoke from the heart.
- His words felt real and true.
144. Hold Your Head High
Meaning: Be proud and confident.
- He held his head high after trying.
- Doing your best lets you hold your head high.
145. Set an Example
Meaning: Show good behavior.
- Older students set an example.
- Sharing sets a good example.
🎯 Perseverance, Patience & Finishing Strong Shakespeare Idioms
146. Stick It Out
Meaning: Keep going even when it’s hard.
- She stuck it out and finished the book.
- He stuck it out till the end.
147. End on a High Note
Meaning: Finish well.
- The show ended on a high note.
- Smiling helped end the day well.
148. Gather Your Strength
Meaning: Get ready to try again.
- He gathered his strength before retrying.
- Rest helped her gather strength.
149. Hold the Line
Meaning: Stay firm and don’t give up.
- She held the line during the challenge.
- Believing in yourself helps you hold the line.
150. Finish What You Start
Meaning: Complete your work.
- He finished what he started.
- Completing tasks builds confidence.
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❓ FAQs About Shakespeare Idioms
1. What are Shakespeare idioms?
They are English expressions that first appeared in Shakespeare’s plays.
2. Are Shakespeare idioms still used today?
Yes, many of them are used in everyday English.
3. Are Shakespeare idioms hard for kids to learn?
No, when explained simply, they are fun and easy to understand.
🌟 Conclusion.
Shakespeare idioms prove that words can last forever. Even though they come from old plays, these expressions are still fun, useful, and meaningful today. They help kids understand English in a creative and exciting way.
By learning Shakespeare idioms, children connect stories from the past with the language they use now. It makes English richer, more playful, and more interesting. So let kids explore these fun words from old plays and enjoy the magic of Shakespeare—one idiom at a time!
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