Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.
Groucho MarxRead
I have had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it.
Interpretation
The quote humorously suggests that the speaker's current experience is far from enjoyable despite the claim of it being wonderful.
Groucho Marx's quote is a witty expression that highlights the discrepancy between expectation and reality in a humorous way. By stating that he has had a 'perfectly wonderful evening' but immediately contradicting it with 'but this wasn't it', Marx cleverly conveys that the current situation is disappointing, using sarcasm to evoke laughter and perhaps a sense of relatability with the audience about their own experiences of unsatisfactory events.
In practice
Using this quote at a party to lighten the mood when an event doesn't go as planned.
Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.
John you say you met in an elevator. Was the elevator going up at the time, or down? This is very important, for going down in an elevator one always has that sinking feeling and for all I know you may have this confused with love. If you were going up, it is clearly a case of love at first sight.
Firefly: Where is your husband? Mrs. Teasdale: Why, he's dead. Firefly: I'll bet he's just using that as an excuse. Mrs. Teasdale: I was with him to the very end. Firefly: Hmmph. No wonder he passed away. Mrs. Teasdale: I held him in my arms and kissed him. Firefly: Oh I see. Then, it was murder.
Chico: "Here's the book, it's a dollar" Groucho: "Here's a ten, and shoot the change." Chico: "I don't have change I'd have to give you nine more books.
Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.
Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do!
Most amusements only mean trying to win another person's money.
I don't approve of political jokes; I have seen too many of them get elected.
Onion rings in the car cushions do not improve with time.
I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer's. Once it hits, I might tell my best joke and never know it.
It crossed our minds early on that the more an audience cared - we were working before, on average, 240, live people. If you could get them caring - the more they cared, the harder they laughed.
The taxpayers are sending congressmen on expensive trips abroad. It might be worth it except they keep coming back
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