An open cardboard box lined with pink tissue and white padding holds a blank folded note tied with a ribbon.

Original artwork, not a still

Sydney

Mr. President, I'm sure there's an appropriate thing to say at this moment. Probably some formal apology for the nice-ass remark would be in order. I just don't quite know how to word it.

— The American President • 1995

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Addressing the president, the speaker admits that a formal apology is probably called for over a remark they describe as "nice-ass." The difficulty is finding the right words. The stiff, roundabout phrasing suggests awkwardness, as the speaker acknowledges what etiquette requires while confessing they cannot phrase it.

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