24 English quotes
Iconic lines from classic films that English speakers still quote every day, and what they mean.
“My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”
– Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump (1994)
Meaning: Life is full of surprises. Like choosing a chocolate from a mixed box, you can't know what will happen next.
– Rick Blaine, Casablanca (1942)
Meaning: A loving toast, like saying "cheers, to you". Rick uses it to show his affection for Ilsa.
– Vito Corleone, The Godfather (1972)
Meaning: In the film, it is a threat: agree to the deal or face something terrible. People now use it jokingly for any deal that is too good, or too scary, to say no to.
– Dorothy Gale, The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Meaning: Dorothy realizes she is in a strange new world. People say it when they suddenly find themselves somewhere very unfamiliar.
– Han Solo, Star Wars (1977)
Meaning: A way of wishing someone good luck and strength. "The Force" is the magical energy in the Star Wars world.
– Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 (1995)
Meaning: An astronaut calmly reports a serious emergency to mission control. People now say it, often humorously, when something has gone wrong. (The real 1970 message was "Houston, we've had a problem.")
– The Terminator, The Terminator (1984)
Meaning: A simple promise to return, which sounds like a threat when the robot says it. People repeat it in a robotic voice as a joke when leaving.
– Dorothy Gale, The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Meaning: However exciting other places are, nowhere feels as good and safe as your own home.
– Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind (1939)
Meaning: Rhett finally tells Scarlett he no longer cares about her or what happens. It was shocking in 1939 because "damn" was a rude word in films.
– Travis Bickle, Taxi Driver (1976)
Meaning: Travis challenges an imaginary enemy in front of a mirror. People quote it to act tough or to joke about seeming aggressive.
– Harry Callahan, Sudden Impact (1983)
Meaning: The detective dares a criminal to try something, because then he'll have a reason to shoot. It means "Try it, I'd love the excuse to stop you."
– Colonel Nathan Jessup, A Few Good Men (1992)
Meaning: The colonel shouts that the truth is too hard for the lawyer to accept. People use it, often jokingly, when someone wants to hear an uncomfortable fact.
– Rod Tidwell, Jerry Maguire (1996)
Meaning: A football player demands that his agent get him a big contract. It now means "Stop talking and pay me" or "Prove it with real results."
– Martin Brody, Jaws (1975)
Meaning: The police chief sees how huge the shark is and realizes they aren't ready. People say it when a problem turns out much bigger than expected.
– Michael Corleone, The Godfather Part II (1974)
Meaning: Stay near the people who might hurt you, so you always know what they are planning.
– Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story (1995)
Meaning: A toy astronaut's brave battle cry. It means aiming higher than any limit, and people use it to cheer someone on.
– Dory, Finding Nemo (2003)
Meaning: When things are hard, don't stop. Keep going one step at a time.
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
– John Keating, Dead Poets Society (1989)
Meaning: A teacher tells his students to make the most of every day instead of waiting. "Carpe diem" is Latin for "seize the day".
– Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Meaning: You have a choice: either actively live your life with hope, or slowly give up. There is no middle way.
– The Voice, Field of Dreams (1989)
Meaning: A mysterious voice tells a farmer to build a baseball field. People use it to mean "create something good and people will come to it". It is often misquoted as "they will come".
– Ben Parker, Spider-Man (2002)
Meaning: Peter Parker's uncle tells him that people with special abilities or power must use them carefully and for good.
– James Bond, Dr. No (1962)
Meaning: The spy's cool, confident way of introducing himself: surname first, then full name. People copy the pattern as a joke ("Smith. Anna Smith.").
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
– Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Meaning: Time passes quickly, so take breaks to enjoy the moment, or your life will go by without you noticing.
– Johnny Castle, Dirty Dancing (1987)
Meaning: Johnny refuses to let anyone ignore or hide Baby, the girl he loves. People say it to mean "No one should push this person aside."
