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About this quote

What does it mean?
Jeeves is expressing deep disapproval or fear while maintaining polite deference.
In plain terms
He is polite but clearly unhappy about something.
What can you take from it?
Politeness can mask strong negative feelings.

Where it applies

  • workplace interactions
  • subordinate feedback
  • conflict avoidance

Putting it to work

  • observe tone in communication
  • recognize hidden displeasure

Questions to consider

  • How do you hide disapproval politely?
  • What does tone reveal beyond words?

Another view

It assumes the reader knows the characters' dynamic.

More from P. G. Wodehouse

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  2. Honoria, you see, is one of those robust, dynamic girls with the muscles of a welterweight and a laugh like a squadron of cavalry charging over a tin bridge. A…

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

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