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The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

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Describing the qualifications desirable in a prospective politician, in B. Adler ‘Churchill Wit’ (1965) p. 4<br />

This is the sort <strong>of</strong> English up with which I will not put.<br />

In Ernest Gowers ‘Plain Words’ (1948) ‘Troubles with Prepositions’<br />

Don’t talk to me about naval tradition. It’s nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash.<br />

In Sir Peter Gretton ‘Former Naval Person’ (1968) ch. 1<br />

A sheep in sheep’s clothing.<br />

Describing Clement Attlee, in Lord Home ‘<strong>The</strong> Way the Wind Blows’ (1976) ch. 6.<br />

Take away that pudding—it has no theme.<br />

In Lord Home ‘<strong>The</strong> Way the Wind Blows’ (1976) ch. 16<br />

As far as I can see you have used every clichè except “God is Love” and “Please adjust your<br />

dress before leaving”.<br />

Note to Sir Anthony Eden, in reply to a long-winded report on the latter’s tour <strong>of</strong> the Near East, in ‘Life’ 9<br />

December 1940 (later disclaimed by Churchill)<br />

In defeat unbeatable: in victory unbearable.<br />

Describing Viscount Montgomery, in Edward Marsh ‘Ambrosia and Small Beer’ (1964) ch. 5<br />

<strong>The</strong> candle in that great turnip has gone out.<br />

Describing Stanley Baldwin, in Harold Nicolson (ed.) ‘Nigel Nicolson: Diaries and Letters 1945-62’ (1968)<br />

diary 17 August 1950<br />

I have taken more out <strong>of</strong> alcohol than alcohol has taken out <strong>of</strong> me.<br />

In Quentin Reynolds ‘By Quentin Reynolds’ (1964) ch. 11<br />

3.100 Count Galeazzo Ciano 1903-44<br />

La vittoria trova cento padri, e nessuno vuole riconoscere l’insuccesso.<br />

Victory has a hundred fathers, but defeat is an orphan.<br />

‘Diary’ (1946) vol. 2, 9 September 1942<br />

3.101 Colley Cibber 1671-1757<br />

Whilst thus I sing, I am a King,<br />

Altho’ a poor blind boy.<br />

‘<strong>The</strong> Blind Boy’<br />

Oh! how many torments lie in the small circle <strong>of</strong> a wedding-ring!<br />

‘<strong>The</strong> Double Gallant’ (1707) act 1, sc. 2<br />

One had as good be out <strong>of</strong> the world, as out <strong>of</strong> the fashion.<br />

‘Love’s Last Shift’ (1696) act 2<br />

Off with his head—so much for Buckingham.<br />

‘Richard III’ (1700) act 4, adapted from Shakespeare.<br />

Perish the thought!<br />

‘Richard III’ (1700) act 5, adapted from Shakespeare<br />

Hark! the shrill trumpet sounds, to horse, away, My soul’s in arms, and eager for the fray.<br />

‘Richard III’ (1700) act 5, adapted from Shakespeare

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