The lady doth protest too much

[Floydy]

does this mean you are horrible to the one you love?

[HeratthePC]

Nope. It means that the lady in question is arguing so strongly that something *is* the case that it would lead the listener to suspect that the truth is the exact opposite.

Example:

The lady says, 'What, sleep with your boss? I never, I never! Why, I barely know the man! I was with Sarah the whole time - just ask her! No - let's get the phone right now and ask her! I've got nothing to hide, I tell you!'

[cassimer]

I think this is in a situation where a vehement denial of something (eg saying really totally absolutely do not fancy that guy) is actually just covering up the fact that you do (fancy the pants off him).
By 'protesting too much' you are being suspicious and suggests that you are lying and the opposite is true.

[ursula62]

No, it doesn't. It means you are protesting your innocence so much that you are guilty!

Queen Gertrude speaks these famous words to her son, Prince Hamlet, while watching a play at court. Gertrude does not realize that Hamlet has staged this play to trap her and her new husband, King Claudius, whom Hamlet suspects of having murdered his father. She also does not realize that the lady who "doth protest too much" is actually herself, as the Player King and Queen represent King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude. 

[cassimer]

Sorry HeratthePC- I think we answered at the same time!

[Clare A]

Happens in Macbeth, too, I think. Isn't there a line 'methinks he doth protest too much'.