Meaning

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em

Categorised in: 135 Phrases coined by William Shakespeare ·Quotations

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em'?

Literal meaning

Woe is me
Woe is me - caption

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em’?

From Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, 1602:

Malvalio:
In my stars I am above thee; but be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.

Historical trend

“born great” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • born great