Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
A playful suggestion offering to paddle someone if they get a canoe, implying assistance contingent on their preparation.
In plain terms
Get a canoe and I will help you paddle.
What can you take from it?
Offer help when others take initial steps.

Where it applies

  • casual conversation
  • encouragement
  • friendship

Putting it to work

  • encourage action
  • offer conditional help

Questions to consider

  • When is help best offered?
  • How do you encourage others to start?

Another view

It may seem like support only comes after others act.

More from Groucho Marx

  1. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

    Permalink to quote #132
  2. When a person's nose itches, it is a sign that it should be scratched.

    Permalink to quote #134
  3. Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.

    Permalink to quote #131

Related quotes

  1. Ya lil' nasty!

    Raven SymoneRaven Symone quote #10
  2. That's not my heart, Chels, somebody is throwing a ball against my...face. You stay right there, you little nasty! [goes downstairs to give ball back to Sierra]

    Raven SymoneRaven Symone quote #26
  3. Last week I helped my friend stay put. It's a lot easier'n helpin' 'em move. I just went over to his house and made sure that he did not start to load shit int…

    Mitch HedbergMitch Hedberg quote #39