13 Everyday Phrases That Actually Came From Shakespeare

On Wednesday, April 23, renowned poet, playwright and snappy dresser, William Shakespeare, will turn 450 years old.

Whether a fan or not, you probably use many of his phrases on a regular basis — maybe without even knowing.

We created a list of 13 popular, albeit strange, sayings The Bard coined. In fact, we say or write some of them so often, they've become clichés.

1. "Green-eyed monster"

Meaning: jealousy.

In "Othello," Iago describes jealousy as a monster which devours its source.

"Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on" (Act 3, Scene 3).

In this case, Iago uses romance as an example. He thinks a man would rather know his wife is cheating than suspect her without proof.

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