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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker defensively insists on their cleanliness despite appearing dirty, emphasizing the effort made to prepare before arriving.
In plain terms
I cleaned myself before coming here so do not think I am dirty.
What can you take from it?
People often defend their appearance aggressively when they feel judged.

Where it applies

  • meeting someone new
  • being accused of neglect
  • preparing for an event

Putting it to work

  • verify assumptions before accusing
  • note preparation efforts

Questions to consider

  • Why does the speaker feel the need to insist this?
  • What led to the assumption they were dirty?

Another view

The emphatic repetition suggests the speaker may be overcompensating for actual lack of cleanliness.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. He ain't a copper just look at 'is boots!

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  2. Women upset everything. When you let them into your life, you find that the woman is driving at one thing and you're driving at another.

    Permalink to quote #168

  3. The English have no respect for their language, and will not teach their children to speak it.

    Permalink to quote #165

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