Idioms | Shakespeare Handout

“Knock, Knock! Who’s There?”

Refers to the start of a knock-knock joke, a playful way to set up a pun or humorous exchange.

“In a Pickle”

Being in a difficult or troublesome situation.

“Set Your Teeth on Edge”

When something is extremely irritating or annoying.

“Heart of Gold”

A person who is very kind and generous.

“Good Riddance”

Expressing relief at being rid of someone or something unwanted.

“So-So”

average, mediocre, or neither good nor bad.

“Faint Hearted”

lacking courage or easily frightened.

“Lie Low”

avoid attention or keep out of sight, usually to stay safe or unnoticed.

“Fight Fire with Fire”

use the same methods as your opponent, often aggressive or risky, to counter them.

“Send Him Packing”

dismiss someone abruptly or force them to leave.

“Bated Breath”

waiting anxiously or in suspense for something to happen.

“Come What May”

means accepting whatever happens, no matter the outcome.

“The Game Is Up”

means a scheme or deception has been discovered, and it’s over.

“Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve”

to openly show your emotions or feelings.

“A Sorry Sight”

something that looks pitiful, disappointing, or in a bad state.

“Be All / End All”

the most important or ultimate thing, often everything one hopes for or strives toward.

“The World Is My Oyster”

means having the ability or opportunity to achieve anything one wants in life.

“Brave New World”

means a new, often unfamiliar or exciting situation or environment, sometimes with a sense of wonder or apprehension.

“Off with His Head”

to demand someone be punished or removed, often abruptly or harshly.

“Green Eyed Monster”

jealousy or envy.

“Fair Play / Foul Play”

fair - honest, ethical, or sportsmanlike behavior,

foul - dishonest, deceitful, or criminal behavior.

“Love Is Blind”

people in love who often overlook faults or imperfections in the person they love.

“For Goodness’ Sake”

used to express frustration, urgency, or emphasis.

“Dead as a Doornail”

completely dead or lifeless.

“Wild Goose Chase”

a futile or hopeless pursuit, often one that is difficult or pointless.

“Make Your Hair Stand on End”

to frighten or shock someone intensely.

“Vanish into Thin Air”

to disappear completely and suddenly, leaving no trace.

“Seen Better Days”

something or someone is worn out, in poor condition, or past their prime.

“Heart of Hearts”

the innermost feelings, thoughts, or true nature of a person.

“Laughing Stock”

someone who is ridiculed or made fun of by others.

“Naked Truth”

the plain, unvarnished truth without any exaggeration or concealment.

“Break the Ice”

to do or say something to relieve tension or get a conversation or relationship started.

“Breathed His Last”

means someone has died.

“Too Much of a Good Thing”

means even something beneficial can become harmful or undesirable if experienced in excess.

“Out of the Jaws of Death”

to escape from a very dangerous or life-threatening situation.

“Full Circle”

returning to the original situation or starting point, often after a series of changes or events.

“Not Slept One Wink”

to not have slept at all; to have had no sleep.

“What’s Done Is Done”

past actions cannot be changed, so it’s best to accept them and move on.