While not exactly disgruntled, he was far from feeling gruntled. He spoke with a certain what-is-it in his voice, and I could see that, if not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled.

You're one of those guys who can make a party just by leaving it. It's a great gift.

you ever have that feeling when you step down onto a footstep that isn't there?

Well, why do you want a political career? Have you ever been in the House of Commons and taken a good square look at the inmates? As weird a gaggle of freaks and sub-humans as was ever collected in one spot.

He had the look of one who had drunk the cup of life and found a dead beetle at the bottom.

When it comes to letting the world in on the secrets of his heart, he has about as much shrinking reticence as a steam calliope.

It would take more than long-stemmed roses to change my view that you're a despicable cowardy custard and a disgrace to a proud family. Your ancestors fought in the Crusades and were often mentioned in despatches, and you cringe like a salted snail at the thought of appearing as Santa Claus before an audience of charming children who wouldn't hurt a fly. It's enough to make an aunt turn her face to the wall and give up the struggle.