Words at Play : Top 10 Phrases from Shakespeare
What it means:
one's youth or heyday
How Shakespeare Used It:
In Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra recalls her relationship with Julius Caesar that
occurred during, "My salad days, / When I was green in judgment...." (Act 1, Scene 5)
Originally, English speakers used salad days with Cleopatra's meaning: a time of youthful inexperience or
indiscretion. These days, however, it usually means "an early flourishing period" in other words, a heyday.
Modern example:
"I know there are some people who still think this show is good, or watchable.... Just because
there are a few cool things left from the salad days doesn't mean Heroes isn't a mess." Darren
Franich, EntertainmentWeekly.com, Nov. 10, 2009