And as he, too, seemed disinclined for chit-chat, we stood for some moments like a couple of Trappist monks who have run into each other at the dog races.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It compares two people standing silently together in a loud place to monks who accidentally met at a race.
- In plain terms
- We stood silently together like monks at a noisy event.
- What can you take from it?
- Silence can feel awkward in loud environments.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do silence and noise clash?
- How do you handle awkward silences?
Another view
The analogy might be obscure to readers unfamiliar with Trappist monks.
More from P. G. Wodehouse
Before my eyes he wilted like a wet sock.
Permalink to quote #156 Oh, Bertie, if I ever called you a brainless poop who ought to be given a scholarship at some lunatic asylum, I take back the words.
Permalink to quote #158 As plainly as if it had been the top line on the oculist's chart I could see what the future held for Bertram.
Permalink to quote #155
Related quotes
It was as if, at moments, we were perpetually coming into sight of subjects before which we must stop short, turning suddenly out of alleys that we perceived t…
Henry JamesHenry James quote #57 'So, do you live around here often?'
Steven WrightSteven Wright quote #2 I had a dread in my hand at the dinner table and it was...really awkward!
Jason CastroJason Castro quote #3