slings and arrows
Hardships or adverse circumstances.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Life is full of slings and arrows that we must face.”
“He learned to endure the slings and arrows of his difficult job with patience and grace.”
“Despite the constant slings and arrows of a long and challenging career, she remained committed to her original vision.”
first recorded 16th c.
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.
- 01
arrow in the quiver
One of several available options or courses of action.
- 02
hit two targets with one arrow
Synonym of kill two birds with one stone.
- 03
sling along
To hang around or loiter.
- 04
sling off
To criticise or mock
- 05
sling one's hook
To leave, depart, especially if forced to do so.
- 06
sling to
To pay a bribe to a police officer from the profits of gambling.
Last updated August 10, 2026