The world is your oyster
- Meaning of “The world is your oyster”. The idiom “the world is your oyster,” which might also appear as “my oyster” or “his/her/their” oyster, is used to refer to possibilities.
- When to Use “The world is your oyster”. ...
- Example Sentences with “The world is your oyster”. ...
- Origins of “The world is your oyster”. ...
What does the phrase the world is your oyster mean?
“The world is your oyster” means that the world is yours to enjoy if you work hard. An oyster isn’t easy to open and won’t give up the pearl inside it quickly. That means as long as you work hard in the world, you’re welcome to the spoils you find.
What is the origin of the phrase, 'the world is your oyster'?
The World is Your Oyster . The phrase " the world is your oyster " is a quote that originally came from Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor . Oysters have to be pried apart to reveal the pearl (if any) inside. In fact, as the size of the oyster increases, the more difficult it is for the shell to be pried open.
Where does "the world is my oyster" come from?
the phrase " the world is my oyster. " comes from the Latin words " terra es mea ocystae" it was developed during early Rome in 1210 The quote comes from Shakespeare's only comedy set in England, The Merry Wives of Windsor: Which I with sword will open.
What is the definition of the world is your oyster?
‘The world is your oyster’ saying is often said to young people about to embark on adult life. It simply means that everything is open to one, and if one is lucky they could encounter something special. The metaphor that informs the saying is that if you have an oyster there is a chance that there may be a pearl in it.
What does it mean when someone says the world is your oyster?
It simply means that everything is open to one, and if one is lucky they could encounter something special.
What is the saying "The world is mine oyster"?
The saying has mysteriously evolved from its original appearance in Shakespeare’s comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor. It’s slightly misquoted, as is so often the case with Shakespeare references that become English idioms. The actual quote is ‘The world’s mine oyster.’. Shakespeare re-introduces one of his most popular characters, ...
Who is the con man in Shakespeare's "The World's Mine Oyster"?
The actual quote is ‘The world’s mine oyster.’. Shakespeare re-introduces one of his most popular characters, Sir John Falstaff, as a con man, planning to con two Windsor women out of their money.
Is it good to open an oyster?
A nice fresh oyster can be hard to open, but once opened it’s good. And perhaps it may have a pearl in it, which would be a valuable addition to one’s life. So when we set out to seek our fortune, the pearl is the good luck we may have. If we’re lucky we will find it.
What does it mean when someone says the world is your oyster?
If you tell someone the world is your oyster, you mean that they can do anything they like and go anywhere they like. When I was 29 I was a millionaire. You come from nothing and suddenly the world is your oyster. Think of all the opportunities before you. The world is your oyster. Note: This expression suggests that success can be taken from the world in the same way that pearls can be taken from oysters. This idea was used by Shakespeare in `The Merry Wives Of Windsor': `Why, then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.' (Act 2, Scene 2)
Who invented the oyster?
In this term the oyster is something from which to extract great profit (a pearl). It was probably invented by Shakespeare in The Merry Wives of Windsor (2:2): "Why then, the world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open.". See also: world. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Where did the phrase "the world is your lobster" come from?
This expression may come from Shakespeare 's The Merry Wives of Windsor: ‘Why, then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open’. The humorously malapropistic variant the world is your lobster was popularized by the Thames TV series Minder ( 1979–94 ).
What is the world and his wife?
the world and his wife. the world is (one's) oyster. the world is my oyster. the world is one's oyster. The world is oyster. the world is your oyster. the world over. the world owes you a living. the world, the flesh, and the devil.
What does "one is in charge of everything" mean?
Fig. One rules the world. ; One is in charge of everything. I feel like the world is my oyster today. The world is my oyster! I'm in love!
What does it mean when someone says the world is your oyster?
If you tell someone the world is your oyster, you mean that they can do anything they like and go anywhere they like. When I was 29 I was a millionaire. You come from nothing and suddenly the world is your oyster. Think of all the opportunities before you. The world is your oyster. Note: This expression suggests that success can be taken from the world in the same way that pearls can be taken from oysters. This idea was used by Shakespeare in `The Merry Wives Of Windsor': `Why, then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.' (Act 2, Scene 2)
What does "the world is your oyster" mean?
The world is oyster. the world is your oyster. world is one's oyster, the. come into the world. for all the world as if (someone or something) on the trot. citizen of the world. all over the world. see the world.
Where did the phrase "the world is your lobster" come from?
This expression may come from Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor: ‘Why, then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open’ . The humorously malapropistic variant the world is your lobsterwas popularized by the Thames TV series Minder( 1979–94).
Who wrote the dictionary of cliches?
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer
Who invented the oyster?
In this term the oyster is something from which to extract great profit (a pearl). It was probably invented by Shakespeare in The Merry Wives of Windsor (2:2): "Why then, the world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open.". See also: world. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
What does "one is in charge of everything" mean?
Fig. One rules the world. ; One is in charge of everything. I feel like the world is my oyster today. The world is my oyster! I'm in love!
Why then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open?
Pistol: Why then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open. Falstaff: Not a penny. The original implication of the phrase is that Pistol is going to use violent means (sword) to steal his fortune (the pearl one finds in an oyster). We inherit the phrase, absent its original violent connotation, to mean that the world is ours to enjoy.
Where does the saying "If you have a lot of money, you can have anything you want" come from?
The proverb first appears in Shakespeare's play 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' (1600).'Falstaff: I will not lend thee a penny. Pistol: Why, then, the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.' Act II, Scene II." From "Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" (1996) by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).
What does the phrase "not a penny" mean?
We inherit the phrase, absent its original violent connotation, to mean that the world is ours to enjoy. Share.
What does the double meaning mean in Shakespeare's play?
The use of an oyster as a metaphor for life, also has a double-meaning: The world holds the possibility of making a fortune, but it depends upon how hard one looks for and works at getting.
Do you have to open oysters to find a pearl?
Every oyster one picks up may hold a pearl, but most don't. Finding a pearl requires either opening a lot of oysters or having good luck -- either will work.
