2 Word Phrases
Following the rules, especially in competition and sports - from "The Tempest"
Fair play
Partially named after a type of fowl, a pointless and foolish search or pursuit that is bound to result in failure - Romeo & Juliet
Wild-goose chase
Although not always true, this phrase implies that a person's appearance is important - Hamlet
Clothes make the man
This 5 word phrase is often uttered when a person is hearing or reading something they do not understand - Julius Caesar
It's all Greek to me
This idiom is a warning not to judge shiny objects by how they look; things can be deceiving.
All that glitters is not gold
This describes someone that is evil and scheming - from "Titus Andronicus"
Devil incarnate
Something, usually spoken, that helps people get to know each other or feel more comfortable - The Taming of the Shrew
Break the ice
This phrase means that a person cannot change what has happened in the past - Macbeth
What's done is done
One might press their hands to their chest while uttering this 5-word saying which means their most inward thoughts and feelings.
In my heart of hearts
This idiom might be hard to believe because who would not want a copious amount of a wonderful object?
Too much of a good thing
A form of consolation in a situation where everything is bad - from King James
Cold Comfort
A person is said to be this when they are in a situation that is difficult to get out of - The Tempest
in a pickle
When someone is being like this, they are doing or saying something that will cause someone pain in order to help them.
Cruel to be kind
This 7-word saying might be uttered when a guest has consumed too much food.
Eaten me out of house and home
This phrase means that something has happened that was by pure chance.
As good luck would have it
This person is considered a joke or subjected to ridicule or mockery - The Merry Wives of Windsor
laughing stock
Although it might sound cannibalistic, this phrase refers to a cruel or unusual punishment - The Merchant of Venice
Pound of flesh
This phrase refers to one's offspring and is often used after a betrayal of some kind
Own flesh and blood
This 5-word phrase is used to refer to something considered to be the most important or ultimate part
Be all and end all
This famous saying refers to someone who repeats one thing but really feels the opposite of what they say.
The lady doth protest too much
Saying that someone or something has done this is the equivalent of saying it is old and worn out.
seen better days
This idiom refers to a person who is a hopeless romantic or lets everyone know their emotions is said to do this.
wear one's heart on one's sleeve