a man wise in his own conceit

the working of beer when the barm is put in

“They put on an unemotional face but they're concerned, all right,” he said. “I lied, you know, and they know it. At least Sam knows it. This just might not be so routine a procedure. But we have to go in, and right now.[…]

Age is definitely making me narkier. The only difference between me and my moany Auntie Maisie is a plaid shopping trolley and a tracheotomy.