But Adrian did not hear him. I have mentioned that during dinner, preoccupied with his thoughts, he had bolted his food. Nature now took its toll. An acute spasm suddenly ran though him, and with a brief 'Ouch!' of pain he doubled up and began to walk round in circles. Sir Jasper clicked his tongue impatiently. 'This is no time for doing the Astaire pom-pom dance,' he said sharply.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Using a dance name to mock someone showing physical pain.
- In plain terms
- Don't dance when you are in pain.
- What can you take from it?
- Context dictates whether humor or concern is appropriate.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is humor acceptable in pain?
- How do we signal suffering?
Another view
Making light of pain can undermine genuine distress.
More from Fred Astaire
As a dancer, I out-Fred the nimblest Astaire
Permalink to quote #46 'There's nothing to beat these old English country houses.' said Charlie, becoming lyrical. 'All those parks and gardens and terraces and stuff. Makes you thin…
Permalink to quote #48 At its most basic, Mr. Astaire's technique has three elements - tap, ballet and ballroom dancing. The ballet training, by his account, was brief but came at a …
Permalink to quote #45
Related quotes
He had the kind of handshake that ought never to be used except as a tourniquet.
Denis NordenDenis Norden quote #1 I have Bright's disease and he has mine.
S. J. PerelmanS. J. Perelman quote #1 'So, do you live around here often?'
Steven WrightSteven Wright quote #2