Long ago Quote by Jane Austen
““That is an expression, Sir John," said Marianne, warmly, "which I particularly dislike. I abhor every common–place phrase by which wit is intended; and "setting one's cap at a man," or "making a conquest," are the most odious of all. Their tendency is gross and illiberal; and if their construction could ever be deemed clever, time has long ago destroyed all its ingenuity.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Pride and Prejudice, 1813
The speaker rejects clichéd, pretentious language, preferring genuine wit over overused phrases.
In simple terms: Avoid hackneyed expressions; value original thought.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic expression.
Themes
language
wit
authenticity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily conversation
- writing workshops
- public speaking
- teaching English
Key Concepts
literary criticism
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape perception?
- When is a cliché acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Clichés can sometimes convey cultural nuance despite being overused.
![“Everybody is taken in at some period or another. [...] In marriage especially. [...] There is not one in a hundred of either sex, who is not taken in when they marry. Look where I will, I see that it is so; and I feel that it must be so, when I consider that it is, of all transactions, the one in…” quote by Jane Austen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37a/jane-austen-39_marriage_everybody-is-taken-in-at-some-period-or_7175.jpg)
