Down the primrose path

Posted by Bob F. on April 29, 2005

What is the orgin and meaning of "To be lead down the primrose path"?

This is what I found so far:

Shakespeare's Hamlet. Ophelia: Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven, Whiles, like a puff'd and reckless libertine, Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads, And recks not his own rede.

• Down the primrose path Victoria S Dennis 29/April/05