As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
William ShakespeareRead
Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's skills and readiness for action, as neglect can lead to deterioration.
William Shakespeare's quote, 'Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them,' serves as a metaphor for the necessity of staying prepared and vigilant. Just as swords require care to prevent rusting, individuals must actively maintain their strengths and skills; otherwise, they may become dull and ineffective over time. This vivid imagery encourages proactive engagement with one's abilities and responsibilities to ensure they remain sharp and ready for challenges that may arise.
Themes
ReadinessPreparationVigilanceSkillsAction
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to motivate a sports team to keep practicing before a big game.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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