What is the origin of the idiom "comedy of errors" and when to use it?

The idiom "comedy of errors" comes from a play by William Shakespeare called "The Comedy of Errors," which features a series of mistaken identities and miscommunications that escalate into a series of comedic misunderstandings. The phrase is often used to describe situations in which a series of mistakes or misunderstandings compound upon one another, leading to a humorous or absurd outcome. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from personal relationships to business or political situations.