Yes Minister - Code Language

Civil Service Code Language

1) "Something is not in the public interest." = It is in the public interest but it is not in the interest of the Civil Service.

2) "Public opinion is not yet ready for such a step." = Public opinion is ready but the Civil Service is not.

3) "This is an urgent problem and we therefore propose setting up a Royal COmmission." = This problem is a bloody nuisance, but we hope that by the time a Royal Commission reports, four years from now, everyone will have forgotten about it or we can find someone else to blame.

4) "I think we have to be very careful." = We are not going to do this.

5) "Have you thought through all the implications?" = You are not going to do this.

6) "It is a slightly puzzling decision." = Idiotic!

7) "Not entirely straightforward." = Criminal.

8) "With the greatest possible respect, minister." = Minister, that is the silliest thing I've ever heard.