Phraselet No. 62

The story as I was told it is that in the early years of her prime ministership, Margaret Thatcher held a meeting with her aides and staff, all of whom were dominated by her, even awed. When it was over she invited her cabinet chiefs to join her at dinner in a nearby restaurant. They went, arrayed themselves around the table, jockeyed for her attention. A young waiter came and asked if they'd like to hear the specials. Mrs. Thatcher said, "I will have beef."

"Yes," said the waiter. "And the vegetables?"

"They will have beef too."

- Peggy Noonan, "Things Are Tough All Over," The Wall Street Journal (November 11 - 12, 2007)