A grinning black and lime paper mask on a purple puddle with its smiling reflection.

Original artwork, not a still

Groucho Marx

She’s afraid that if she leaves, she’ll become the life of the party.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Being the life of the party usually means making it enjoyable by being present. The reversal suggests that everyone would enjoy themselves more after this person left. A flattering expression becomes a sharp insult, and the imagined fear gives the target an uncomfortable awareness of the possibility.

Context reviewed

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