Volume 99 — MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES.
Reading edition
QUALIFIED RECOMMENDATION.
"A. Nobleman wishes particularly to recommend his Coachman, who is leaving his service, solely owing to domestic changes;" i.e., Having been detected falsifying his stable accounts, and threatened in consequence with prosecution, he retaliates by a menace to disclose certain unpleasant family secrets, picked up in the servants' hall, to a Society journal.
TRADE EMBELLISHMENTS.
"If applied but once gently with the palm of the hand, it will afford the sufferer delightful and instantaneous relief;" i.e., It at once removes the skin, and if rubbed in with vigour will flay a horse.
PLATFORMULARS.
"I feel that I have already trespassed upon your patience, and detained you an unconscionable time;" i.e., "Your attention seems flagging. I want a moment or two for reflection, and a cue to go on again."