Silver-coloured spoons fill an open burgundy-lined case, with a small brass bell beside it.

Original artwork, not a still

Wilson Mizner

It’s getting so people no longer count the silverware when I come to dinner.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker jokes that dinner hosts have finally stopped counting their silverware during a visit. The implication is that they once suspected the guest of stealing it. Calling this a sign of progress turns an apparent compliment to their reputation into self-deprecating humour.

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