A pale feather duster leans against stacked dishes and cups beside a striped cloth on a light counter.

Original artwork, not a still

Phyllis Diller

Housework can’t kill you, but why take a chance?

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The line accepts that housework is not lethal, then uses caution as a reason to avoid it anyway. The conclusion deliberately ignores the reassurance that precedes it. Its comic logic turns an unwillingness to do chores into the appearance of sensible concern for personal safety.

Context reviewed

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