...What disturbed him was the discovery that in sensibly ordering his affairs he had got out of step, and not into step, with Life.

A lot of fancier yarns come from people trying to tell the truth. It’s not easy once you’re out of the habit.

I like women. I really like women.

She grinned at me. 'You got types?' 'Only you darling - lanky brunettes with wicked jaws.

I distrust a man that says when. If he's got to be careful not to drink to much it's because he's not to be trusted when he does.

Joel Cairo: You always have a very smooth explanation ready. Sam Spade: What do you want me to do, learn to stutter?

The roof might fall in; anything could happen.