Pride and Prejudice Quotes

Context

Ain't that the truth? Well, hey, you can always count on Jane Austen to drop some knowledge in a pithy one-liner like this. And there's no better place for it than Pride and Prejudice.

She drops this one when Elizabeth is visiting the Gardiners, where Darcy also happens to be—and it comes after Elizabeth's initial rejection of Darcy. The quote describes Miss Bingley, who is vying for Mr. Darcy's affection and knows that Elizabeth is a threat (even though Elizabeth herself doesn't seem to get it).

She begins to trash talk Elizabeth, mostly mentioning her physical appearance (her skin is too tan, the lines of her nose are unremarkable; you know, the usual), which of course backfires. There's no better way to throw yourself under the romance bus than trying to throw your rival under it first.

Where you've heard it

This here's a pretty quotable quote, so we wouldn't be surprised if someone hit you up with it in an attempt to dole out advice.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

This quote is simple, straight to the point, and also well agreed upon. When people get angry (or maybe "jealous" is a better word for Miss Bingley), they tend to make poor decisions. That's why it's always important to keep your cool at the ice cream shop, or you might end up with a double scoop of blue bubble gum and cotton candy on a plain cone.

Yeah, it won't be pretty.