There is no cannibalism in the British navy, absolutely none, and when I say none, I mean there is a certain amount.
Meaning of the quote
This quote is using humor to point out that sometimes people use words in a way that seems to contradict what they just said. When Graham Chapman says "There is no cannibalism in the British navy, absolutely none," he is making a joke because he then says "and when I say none, I mean there is a certain amount." This is a clever way to show that people can use language in a confusing or contradictory way, even if they are trying to be clear.
More quotes from Graham Chapman
We don’t deliberately set out to offend. Unless we feel it’s justified.
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All ideas come about through some sort of observation. It sparks an attitude; some object or emotion causes a reaction in the other person.
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World War II… did not happen to everyone, but it happened to most. There were people from Germany who were throwing bombs at us.
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There is no cannibalism in the British navy, absolutely none, and when I say none, I mean there is a certain amount.
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You know, Python should have won a Grammy for our musical work on the show.
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I can’t talk to a man who bears an undeserved animosity towards ferrets.
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I hope I will have achieved something lasting.
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It’s nice to see that look of alarm on the faces of the others.
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Death can really absorb a person. Lik most people, I would find it pleasant not to have to go, but you just accept that it’s more or less inevitable.
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Health care does not worry me a great deal. I’ve been impressed by some wonderful old people.
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Dressing up as decrepit old ladies, and even decrepit young ladies, was one of our staples.
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Stormy in love, stormy in interviews, breakfast in bed – that’s me, love.
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