Words and Phrases Coined by Shakespeare. Words and Phrases Coined by Shakespeare NOTE: This list (including some of the errors I originally made) is found in several other places online.
That's fine, but I've asked that folks who want this on their own sites mention that I am the original compiler. For many English-speakers, the following phrases are familiar enough to be considered common expressions, proverbs, and/or clichés. All of them originated with or were popularized by Shakespeare. I compiled these from multiple sources online in 2003. A Quick Guide to Reading Shakespeare. Probably the number one complaint about reading Shakespeare is that it doesn't always read like "normal" English.
It's a natural and legitimate accusation. Shakespeare wrote for an audience over 400 years ago. Think about how word meanings and expressions change over a relatively short time; four centuries bring with them a lot of alterations. Shakepeare said it first, you say it every day. Shakespearean Insulter.