How many minutes is shortly?” I asked. “Is it one minute…
““How many minutes is shortly?” I asked. “Is it one minute or eight minutes or eleven minutes? On account of if it's one minute, I can wait, probably. But eleven minutes would be out of the question.” Mr. Scary walked back to my desk. And he sat me in my chair. I glanced up at him. “All I'm looking for is a rough estimate,” I said.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker seeks a vague time estimate, highlighting how uncertainty can be frustrating when precise timing matters.
In simple terms: Need a rough time estimate.
Key Takeaway
Clarify expectations early.
Themes
communication
time management
uncertainty
Mood
concerned
curious
Type
practical
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- project planning
- customer service
- personal scheduling
- deadline setting
Key Concepts
estimation
expectations
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How precise must a time estimate be?
- What are the risks of vague timing?
A Different Perspective
If the estimate is too vague, it may cause misaligned expectations.