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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 2Scene 1
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“Iron may hold with her”
Double Meaning
Act 2,
Scene 1
Lines 141-145

An explanation of the two meanings of the phrase “iron may hold with her” in Act 2, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

 

Baptista

What, will my daughter prove a good musician?

Hortensio

I think she'll sooner prove a soldier.
Iron may hold with her, but never lutes.    

Baptista

Why then, thou canst not break her to the lute?    

Hortensio

Why, no, for she hath broke the lute to me.
  1. Only iron can contain her (as in the bars of a prison cell).
  2. Swords (iron) suit her better (than the lute).