English Explanatory Dictionary

slings and arrows

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Hardships or adverse circumstances.
  2. Harsh criticism or personal attacks.

Pronunciation

/ˌslɪŋz‿n̩ ˈæɹəʊz/ /ˌslɪŋz‿n̩ ˈæɹoʊz/ /ˌslɪŋz‿n̩ ˈɛ(ə)ɹoʊz/ En-us-slings and arrows.oga

Word forms

slings and arrows

Etymology

Coined by the English playwright William Shakespeare (baptized 1564; died 1616) in his play Hamlet (written 1599–1601; first published 1604 in the second quarto), referring to fortune attacking a person, as if using slingshots and arrows: see the quotation.

Synonyms

misfortunes setbacks barbs broadsides

Related words

criticize
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