By definition, an idiom is a
figurative expression that has become so common that its literal meaning is no longer
considered and its figurative meaning is taken for
granted.
Shakespeare, like Charles Dickens, is considered
somewhat of a grandfather of many English idioms because he created them, and the
popularity of his works made them famous.
"Romeo and
Juliet" has several expressions that could be considered idioms. The following list, in
no particular order, contains examples and their commonly accepted
meaning:
- Star-crossed
lovers: two people whom fate has brought
together. - What's in a name...:
Juliet's famous soliloquy which questions her attraction to a member of an enemy
household has become somewhat of a modern catch phrase for, "What does reputation have
to do with anything?" This phrase is used commonly with material brand names and places
in addition to actual people. - I am fortune's
fool: A phrase now used to denote exasperation at a negative situation in
which one feels helpless. - Wild-goose
chase: This phrase is used modernly to describe a fruitless search for
something or running back and forth in search of something and coming back
empty-handed. The idea is that the "wild-goose" has a hunter running every which way
and in the end he fails to actually capture the
bird.
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