It's a good bet that a new phrase which would require explanation is not something you're likely to put in a play. But most of the stuff that Shakespeare schola

It's a good bet that a new phrase which would require explanation is not something you're likely to put in a play. But most of the stuff that Shakespeare scholars credit to him probably did originate with him. The printing press was well established in Europe by his time (to preserve any prior art), and Shakespeare had an astounding gift for language.