--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Corporal Nobbs,” he rasped, “why are you…" description: "\"“Corporal Nobbs,” he rasped, “why are you kicking people when they’re down?” “Safest way, sir,” said Nobby. Nobby had long ago been told about fighting..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a3/terry-pratchett-19_long-ago_corporal-nobbs-he-rasped-why-are-you-kic_2429693.jpg" --- # Corporal Nobbs,” he rasped, “why are you kicking people… ![“Corporal Nobbs,” he rasped, “why are you kicking people when they’re down?” “Safest way, sir,” said Nobby. Nobby had long ago been told about fighting fair and not striking a fallen opponent, and had then given some creative thought to how these rules applied to someone four feet tall with the…” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a3/terry-pratchett-19_long-ago_corporal-nobbs-he-rasped-why-are-you-kic_2429693.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a3/terry-pratchett-19_long-ago_corporal-nobbs-he-rasped-why-are-you-kic_2429693.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a3/terry-pratchett-19_long-ago_corporal-nobbs-he-rasped-why-are-you-kic_2429693.jpg) > ““Corporal Nobbs,” he rasped, “why are you kicking people when they’re down?” “Safest way, sir,” said Nobby. Nobby had long ago been told about fighting fair and not striking a fallen opponent, and had then given some creative thought to how these rules applied to someone four feet tall with the muscle tone of an elastic band.”” [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Even a tiny, weak opponent can be exploited if rules are twisted, highlighting the misuse of “fair play” to justify cruelty. **In simple terms:** Rules can be bent to harm the vulnerable. Key Takeaway Question the ethics of loopholes. Themes justice power morality Mood critical analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - legal loopholes - sports cheating - political rhetoric Key Concepts ethical philosophy law warfare Questions to Reflect On - When have you seen rules abused? - How can fairness be protected? A Different Perspective May overlook genuine fairness concerns. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Long ago](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-ago/) [Wrestling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wrestling/) ## Related quotes > [“The Ramkins were more highly bred than a hilltop bakery, whereas Corporal Nobbs had been disqualified from the human race for shoving.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/the-ramkins-were-more-highly-bred-than-a-hilltop-bakery-whereas/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [Corporal Nobbs had been disqualified from the human race for shoving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/corporal-nobbs-had-been-disqualified-from-the-human-race-for-shoving/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [“And what do they talk about beyond the barricade, my little lad?” “Um…well, Justice an' Truth an' Freedom and stuff,” said Nobby. “Aha. 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