Shakespeare


A state of euphoria with no basis in reality.

He thinks he is going to get the top job but there’s no chance of that. He’s just living in a fool’s paradise.

The United Kingdom – 16th century.

Worldwide.


Odd actions that appear meaningless but are done for a good reason.

Mixing cooking oil with the petrol might seem a little odd, but just wait, you’ll see there’s method in my madness.

Britain, 17th century. From Shakespeare’s Hamlet, as ‘though this is madness, yet there is method in it’.

Worldwide.


The days of one’s youthful inexperience and enthusiasm.

I’m too old and cynical to believe politician’s promises now. I’m well past my salad days.

Shakespeare

Mainly Britain.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.