My Particular Friend footnotes: The Poison Pen Affair 7
Beginning with Wheels in Motion:
‘Charlotte would do it herself if she could.’
‘And stick out like a mustard pot in a coal scuttle. She is much too tall. I know it is my lot.’
‘And stick out like a mustard pot in a coal scuttle. She is much too tall. I know it is my lot.’
mustard pot in a coal scuttle: to stick out like a sore thumb. Actually, I have no idea whether this is a legitimate aphorism, but I love it so much I had to use it.
‘A hit, a palpable hit. He has found a number of letters in a number of improbable places already. I hope he walks about in a rage.’
From Hamlet, Act V, Scene 2:
OSRIC: A hit, a very palpable hit.
I asked Mr King to provide a stout footman to prevent any danger and I have received word that he has just the man.’
footman: originally a male servant who ran alongside a carriage making sure it would avoid obstacles and who would run ahead to announce the august person about to arrive. Later, a male servant in a wealthy household who would serve the meals, announce guests and attend to male guests.