“The primrose path of dalliance” I, iii, 54

“The primrose path of dalliance” I, iii, 54

Primrose: A cultivated plant of European woodlands that produces pale yellow flowers in the early spring.
Primrose: A pale yellow color.
Primrose: The best
Primrose: The first

With four different definitions for primrose that could all easily apply to the sentence while still making sense, whether metaphorically or literally, it’s difficult really to figure out which definition Shakespeare applied to the word himself.

“Primerose path” does not necessarily have to mean a path bordered by daisies.

Primrose is a pale yellow color. To be yellow is to be cowardly, therefore “The [yellow] path of dalliance” would mean “The [cowardly] path of dalliance.”
In context with what Ophelia is saying, it’s very possible that Shakespeare meant for Ophelia to be condescending towards her brother.
Ophelia’s entire phrase translated is said to mean “show me how to live a strict and virtuous life while you yourself follow a life of self-indulgence.” In other words she tells her brother to take the advice he’s given her and use it too.
The “yellow” definition of the word “primrose” is absolutely in context with the sentence once condescension is applied to Ophelia’s voice. It all comes down then to Ophelia’s tone. Such tone would add to whatever comic relief Shakespeare is said to have included in this tragedy.
“The [best] path of dalliance” or “the [first] path of dalliance” would indicate that Ophelia is sincerely urging her brother to follow his own advice. These two are more in context with what Ophelia is saying for the simple fact that she rarely jokes when confronted by serious conversation, contrary to her “better half” Hamlet.