Star-crossed lovers
Meaning
Two people whose relationship is doomed by fate, misfortune, or external forces beyond their control.
Origin
The evocative phrase "star-crossed lovers" comes directly from the opening prologue of William Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, first performed around 1597. In the play, the chorus describes the titular characters as "a pair of star-cross'd lovers," whose unfortunate demise is written in the stars, or rather, dictated by a cruel fate. In Elizabethan times, astrology held significant sway, and people genuinely believed that the alignment of celestial bodies at birth could determine a person's destiny and fortune—or misfortune. Thus, to be "star-crossed" meant to be opposed by the stars, signifying an inevitable, ill-fated outcome, particularly in matters of love.
Examples
- Their families' ancient feud made them perfect star-crossed lovers, destined for a tragic end.
- Despite their deep affection, the distance and societal pressures forced them apart, making them truly star-crossed lovers.