Where Does the Phrase the Game Is Afoot Come from?

The phrase “the game is afoot” is said to have originated from William Shakespeare's famous play, King Henry IV Part I, published in 1597, where it is stated as; “Before the game is afoot, thou still let'st slip.” Since then, the phrase has been used in the same way by various authors and poets.

Where did the term come from the game is afoot?

Origin of The Game is Afoot

This expression comes from the English playwright William Shakespeare. In his play King Henry IV, circa 1597, he first used the phrase. Before the game is afoot, thou still let'st slip.

Did Sherlock Holmes ever say the game is afoot?

“The game is afoot.” Holmes actually said this. At the beginning of “The Adventure of the Abbey Grange,” he awakens Watson by saying, “Come, Watson, come. The game is afoot. Not a word!