David Mitchell: Shakespeare’s Cliches (updated)

David Mitchell is one the Oxbridge comedians that started with all five members of Monty Python, and now includes Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Rowan Atkinson, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Ayoade, Al Murray, Jimmy Carr and many, many more.
In this scene Shakespeare has found a sudden fascination with using new words and expressions invented by himself – and that nobody else can understand. It’s funny because all of those expressions have become a part of daily English, and perhaps few people realise their origins. If Shakesopeare were to use them in conversation, rather than in his plays, it would have confused everybody.
Later, I will try to type out all of the expressions used in this video! If you recognise any, please write them in the comments below.

1 Comment on “David Mitchell: Shakespeare’s Cliches (updated)

  1. Here are the expressions used in this sketch, all invented by Shakespeare:
    in a nutshell
    neither here nor there
    the world’s my oyster
    too much of a good thing
    all of a sudden
    give the devil his due
    there’s method in my madness
    a foregone conclusion
    bedazzled
    in stitches
    with bated breath
    what the dickens!
    spotless
    didn’t sleep one wink
    send me packing
    a wild goose chase
    vanish into thin air
    dead as a door nail

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