‘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. 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.
‘The world is your oyster’ origin
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, Sir John Falstaff, as a con man, planning to con two Windsor women out of their money. He has his usual disreputables around him, among them a man called Pistol who utters the immortal line ‘the world’s mine oyster’ during a conversation about money. The conversation goes:
Falstaff: I will not lend thee a penny.
Pistol: Why then the world’s mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.
Falstaff: Not a penny.
It’s clear that the original metaphor of the world being an oyster had violent connotations. If you don’t give me money I will have no alternative than to use violence to get it. I will get what I want by robbery and murder. There is also a veiled threat against Falstaff personally, from this thoroughly disreptutable man, Pistol.
It’s an interesting metaphor as oysters are notoriously difficult to open and we use special sharp tools to do it. In a sense one has to use violence to open an oyster. So with Pistol we have the image of him forcing the oyster to get the pearl, and of him using his sword – making it doubly violent. It’s interesting too, that the image is of a food of those who live near the Thames, routinely eaten but which very occasionally would offer one a life changing discovery – just like life. Life can be hard but if you keep at it it will sometimes unexpectedly give you a reward. That’s why this quote ‘the world’s mine oyster’ has evolved into a favourite metaphor for life.
‘The world is your oyster’ – another perfect Shakespeare phrase!
indeed!
The world may be a better place if all would try to inculcate this basic principle.
I prefer the saying “The world’s my lobster”.
The world is my oyster for God’s glory
Amen
I don’t really like oysters. Maybe it could be “ The world is your burrito?”
Hmmm… I don’t like oysters either but I am seeking a Pearl of an experience —- to meet an older gentleman with classical interests in music, art and travel —- who is blessed with abundance in all as I am —- but who is somewhat bored and especially adventurous, healthy as if energetic. Blessed Be
Wow Victoria, that’s an awesome request and I wish you well in your search for your pearl!
The original version is so badass. Definitely pacified the connotation for our docile masses. more like meek asses😂 . The new version su ks. What, oyster pineal simulation reference? My knife will split you open like an oyster and I get what I want is so gangster.
I think I’ve found what I’ve been looking for in life an idea where the world might be my oyster. Not for riches but to leave our lovely little planet a good legacy
A raindrop fell from a spring cloud, and, seeing the wide expanse of the sea, was shamed. “Where the sea is,” it reflected, “where am I? Compared with that, forsooth, I am extinct.”
While thus regarding itself with an eye of contempt, an oyster took it to its bosom, and Fate so shaped its course that eventually the raindrop became a famous royal pearl.
It was exalted, for it was humble. Knocking at the door of extinction, it became existent.
Saadi, Persian Poet, Born: 1209
Thank you for sharing this lovely poem. I now have a new poet to enjoy, so I think I have found a pearl of my own today!