Detect

Famous quotes containing the word detect:

    “If the individuals who compose the purest circles of aristocracy in Europe, the guarded blood of centuries, should pass in review, in such manner as that we could, at leisure, and critically inspect their behavior, we might find no gentleman, and no lady; for, although excellent specimens of courtesy and high-breeding would gratify us in the assemblage, in the particulars, we should detect offence. Because, elegance comes of no breeding, but of birth.”
    —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    “Inspector Clouseau: Do I detect something in your voice that says I am in disfavor with you?
    Chief Inspector Dreyfus: Yes. I wish you were dead.
    Inspector Clouseau: Well, of course, you are entitled to your opinion.”
    —Blake Edwards (b. 1922)

    “Most writers steal a good thing when they can,
    And when ‘tis safely got ‘tis worth the winning.
    The worst of ‘t is we now and then detect ‘em,
    Before they ever dream that we suspect ‘em.”
    —Bryan Waller Proctor (1787–1874)