# slings and arrows

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/slings-and-arrows
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Hardships or adverse circumstances.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.