plague on both your houses

The phrase "plague on both your houses" is a quote from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. It is spoken by Mercutio, a character in the play, as he lies dying after being fatally wounded in a duel. The phrase is meant as a curse or condemnation upon both the Capulet and Montague households, who are caught in a bitter feud. It signifies Mercutio's frustration with the ongoing violence and his belief that both families are to blame for their actions, resulting in unnecessary deaths and suffering. The phrase has since become a proverbial expression, used to express discontent or disdain for two opposing parties or factions.