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About this quote

What does it mean?
It describes physical harm that is limited or ineffective due to the attacker wearing boxing gloves.
In plain terms
He tried to hurt someone but was restricted by gloves.
What can you take from it?
Restrictions can limit the impact of violent actions.

Where it applies

  • describing a clumsy attack
  • joking about failed violence
  • noting physical limits

Putting it to work

  • writing comedic action scenes
  • describing failed attacks

Questions to consider

  • How does physical limitation affect intent?
  • When is restricted violence funny?

Another view

It relies on visual context to fully land the joke.

More from P. G. Wodehouse

  1. He resembled a minor prophet who had been hit behind the ear with a stuffed eel-skin.

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  2. 'Yes, sir,' said Jeeves in a low, cold voice, as if he had been bitten in the leg by a personal friend.

    Permalink to quote #35
  3. Whenever I meet Ukridge's Aunt Julia I have the same curious illusion of having just committed some particularly unsavoury crime and-what is more-of having don…

    Permalink to quote #32

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