We have done with Hope and Honour. we are lost to Love and Truth, We are dropping down the ladder rung by rung; And the measure of our torment is the measure of our youth. God help us, for we knew the worst too young!
Rudyard KiplingRead
We had a kettle; we let it leak: Our not repairing made it worse. We haven't had any tea for a week... The bottom is out of the Universe.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Neglecting small issues can lead to larger problems over time.
In this quote, Kipling uses the metaphor of a leaking kettle to illustrate how failing to address minor problems can escalate into significant consequences. The phrase 'the bottom is out of the Universe' conveys a sense of disarray and the impact of inaction in the face of inevitable deterioration.
Themes
LeakRepairInactionConsequencesProblemsUniverse
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about maintaining relationships, one could say, 'We had a kettle; we let it leak...' to emphasize the importance of addressing small issues before they escalate.
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