The idiom the world is one’s oyster dates back to the 1600s. We will examine the meaning of the expression the world is one’s oyster, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.
The world is one’s oyster means that the person being spoken about has every advantage necessary to achieve what he wishes to achieve, and to enjoy life. This idiom is often invoked when speaking about someone young, well-liked and educated, who will surely make a success of his life. The world is one’s oyster applies to someone who does not face adversity. The expression was coined by William Shakespeare, and appears in The Merry Wives of Windsor: “Why then the world’s mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.”
Examples
After the last ten months, however, he now knows the world is his oyster and that he has more options than he would have once believed. (The Irish Mirror)
Anthony Joshua’s former coach Sean Murphy says the world is his oyster now, after the heavyweight champion defeated Joseph Parker. (The Daily Mail)
When the world is your oyster, it’s easy to see the exciting adventure opportunity everywhere and anywhere, from your backyard to a highway rest stop. (Men’s Health Magazine)
“We are only ever as old as we feel, so I make sure that I still live like the world is my oyster, and [have] a smile that’s as hungry for success and happiness as the day I started 26 years ago!” (The Hindustan Times)
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