Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.
Groucho MarxRead
Well, that covers a lot of ground. Say, you cover a lot of ground yourself. You better beat it - I hear they're going to tear you down and put up an office building where you're standing. You can leave in a taxi. If you can't get a taxi, you can leave in a huff. If that's too soon, you can leave in a minute and a huff. You know, you haven't stopped talking since I came here? You must have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously critiques someone's incessant talking and suggests they leave before a change occurs.
Groucho Marx uses humor and wit to express the annoyance of someone who talks too much. The exaggerated phrases and comical suggestions for leaving serve to lighten the mood while also delivering a playful critique of the person's loquacity. The imagery of being 'vaccinated with a phonograph needle' adds to the humor, illustrating the speaker's unending chatter in an amusing way.
Themes
HumorTalkingCritiqueChangeWit
In practice
Example use cases
During a comedy night, you could use this quote to elicit laughter from the audience.
More from Groucho Marx
All quotes βJohn 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.
Groucho MarxRead
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.
Groucho MarxRead
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.
Groucho MarxRead
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.
Groucho MarxRead
Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do!
Groucho MarxRead
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