Minder1979

[looking at a writing desk in the auction house]

Arthur Daley:
Your modern entrepreneur is constantly gazing into the crystal ball of opportunity.

Terry McCann:
And what do your crystal balls tell you about that then, eh? Is there gonna be a big rush on firewood?

Arthur Daley:
No, Terry. That is... that is "an Indian ebony and porcupine quill workbox, nineteenth century". Described as "distressed".

Terry McCann:
Distressed?

Arthur Daley:
Yes, that is a term they use in the auctioneering world.

Terry McCann:
Yeah, loosely translated as "knackered"!

Arthur Daley:
As with most things in this life, Terry, it is in the eye of the beholder. One man's firewood is another man's porcupine wotsisname.