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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 1Scene 4
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"The date is out"
Proverb
Act 1,
Scene 4
Lines 1-3

An explanation of the phrase "the date is out" which means "out-of-date" in modern English in myShakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 4.

[Enter Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio, along with several other partygoers on their way to Lord Capulet’s house for a masquerade, a formal costume party. Several are carrying lanterns suspended on poles to light their way.]

Romeo

What, shall this speech be spoke for our excuse?
Or shall we on without apology?

Benvolio

The date is out of such prolixity.

The proverbial expression, “the date is out of” something, was the same as us saying that something “is out-of-date.” Benvolio thinks it’s a silly old-fashioned custom to have to perform a skit when making an entrance to the party.