Macbeth Quotes

Context

This misquoted line is based off a line in the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare (1611).

This line pops up as a refrain during Act 4, Scene 1 of the Scottish Play. The three witches that predict Macbeth's future are standing around their cauldron throwing creepy items into the pot to make their spooky brew. All the while, they chant, "Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble" over the simmering concoction. Oooh, eerie!

Or do they? Sure, it makes sense that these wicked witches are telling their cauldron to "bubble," which is another way of saying, "simmer" or "boil." But, really, they're saying, "Double, double toil and trouble," which is a little bit different. Instead of commanding the potion to "bubble," they're asking it to double the trouble that it's going to cause. Mainly the trouble that it's going to cause for Macbeth. Oh, these are weird and wicked sisters.

Where you've heard it

This is a classic Shakespearean misquote and an easy mistake to make, so you'll probably hear it on spooky occasions that don't have much to do with the play.

Additional Notable References: 

• In the Duck Tales episode "Much Ado About Scrooge," the three witches on the island chant, "Bubble, bubble, you're in trouble, leave this island on the double!"
• An episode of Home Improvement was named "Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble," but it did have something to do with a whirlpool tub remodel gone wrong.
• Yes, it does sound like the Hogwarts choir is saying "bubble," but we assure that they are not. And you thought double trouble was only for the Weasley twins.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Hey, anyone could make this mistake. It does sound a lot like the witches are saying "bubble" while they're standing over that cauldron. Nothing hoity toity about that.