The course of true love never did run smooth

Meaning

Literal meaning.

Origin

This expression derives from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream, 1598:

LYSANDER:
Ay me! for aught that I could ever read,
Could ever hear by tale or history,
The course of true love never did run smooth;
But, either it was different in blood,--

See other phrases and sayings from Shakespeare.