'Break the ice' as a metaphor made its first appearance in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew (Act 1, Scene 2). Shakespeare used it as a term for a social gesture when Tranio, in talking about the problem of wooing the ice cold Katherine, says: If it be so, sir, that you are the man Must stead us all, and me amongst the rest, "Break the Ice" Shakespeare wrote this group of words in his 1590 play "The Taming of the Shrew." It means to overcome a socially awkward situation. "Wild Goose Chase" First seen in 1597's "Romeo and Juliet," a person who goes on a "wild goose chase" is searching for something that's likely not attainable. "Love Is Blind"
21 Expressions You Didn't Know Came from William Shakespeare
To break down social formality and stiffness. What's the origin of the phrase 'Break the ice'? The earlier meaning of this phrase, that is, 'to forge a path for others to follow', alludes of course to the breaking of ice to allow the navigation of boats. " - The Taming of the Shrew (Act 1, Scene 2) by William Shakespeare Shakespeare used it as a social gesture when Tranio talked about the problem of wooing the ice-cold Katherine. Shakespeare suggests approaching her by getting to know her father first, which will break the ice. The phrase "break the ice" means to break the silence in the groups, gatherings, or relationships. It also means to restart relationships between two friends or families. The phrase is also used to break the social formality norms to make a person or group comfortable. Break the ice: Meaning Then Back More What was Big Willy Shakes going for? As usual with Shakespeare, there are two meanings to this quote. The first is rather simple. Tranio is saying that if Petruchio breaks the ice with Katherine, or gets to know her, then he can woo her. This is pretty much how we hear this phrase being used today.
Expressions You Didn't Know Came from Shakespeare Reader's Digest
Break the ice To reduce the awkward, initial social tension Taming of the Shrew, Act 1 Scene 2. Brave new world Used ironically to refer to a new, hopeful period The Tempest, Act 5 Scene 1. Melted into thin air To disappear suddenly, leaving no traces The Tempest, Act 4 Scene 1 Origin: The Merchant of Venice "Be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me." All that glistens is not gold Here's another William Shakespeare idiom from the play "The Merchant of Venice." It's in reference to the shiny precious metal gold. Figuratively speaking, "ice" is that awkwardness or tension that comes from not knowing people. When a bunch of people get together for the first time, they don't know what they have in common. Sometimes people don't feel comfortable enough to talk to one another. Breaking the ice and "ice-breakers" are supposed to put everyone at ease. When we use the phrase today it's in the context of human behaviour - the fair and honest treatment of people, or in sport - playing in accordance with the rules, not cheating or having an unfair advantage. 'Fair' comes from the Old Norse: fagr - 'beautiful', and also from the Old Gothic: fagrs - 'fitting.' 'g' is spoken as 'y' in both languages.
10 Common Phrases We Should Thank Shakespeare For
( idiomatic) To introduce conversation. To surmount initial difficulties; to overcome obstacles and make a beginning. Derived terms [ edit] icebreaker shatter the ice Translations [ edit] to start to get to know people, by avoiding awkwardness I'm Tranio. I'm Lucentio's trusted servant. I'm smart, loyal, and I think quickly on my feet. And you know what I think? If it be so, sir, that you are the man. Must stead us all and me amongst the rest, And if you break the ice and do this feat, Achieve the elder, set the younger free. For our access, whose hap shall be to have her.
Here is a list of just a few phrases that appear in Shakespeare's plays and that are commonly spoken today: "A wild goose chase" - Romeo and Juliet. "I have been in such a pickle" - The Tempest. "I must be cruel, only to be kind" - Hamlet. "Laugh oneself into stitches" - Twelfth Night. "For goodness' sake" - Henry VIII. Break the Ice: To overcome awkwardness or silence. Tranio hopes that Petruchio will break the ice with Katherine in Act 1 of The Taming of the Shrew.. Shakespeare penned this phrase in Act 5 of Love's Labour's Lost as a play on words, as the character who says it, Armando, tells the naked truth that he's not wearing a shirt.
The Magic of Shakespeare Some Finished "Shakespeare Said..." graphics
The original literal definition of breaking the ice referred to icebreaker ships whose function was to break the ice to clear passage for other ships. The definition as we know it now evolved into a social meaning with the earliest recorded writing in this context appearing in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, written circa 1590. Break the ice - The Taming of the Shrew. Parties, online dating, meeting new friends, starting a new job….all of these experiences involve 'breaking the ice.' It can be very awkward when first meeting people you don't know. 'What am I going to say, what are they going to say, is anyone going to say anything'.
