The line "The course of true love never did run smooth" from Midsummer Night's Dream summarises the experience of love perfectly, and is just one of Shakespeare's phrases we use without knowing it originated with him.

Also under discussion are the phrases 'green-eyed monster' from Othello and 'parting is such sweet sorrow' from Romeo and Juliet.

Presented by Robin Lustig, with actor Ray Fearon and academic Kate Rumbold. Show less