therein lies the rub
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
Misquote from Hamlet
Phrase [edit]
- a problem has been identified
- I tried to backup my database to floppy disk - but therein lies the rub - it isn't big enough.
- 1594, William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
- "Devoutly to be wish'd.
- To die, to sleep;
- To sleep: perchance to dream
- ay, there's the rub
- For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
- When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
- Must give us pause: there's the respect
- That makes calamity of so long life;