Iliff-King phrasebook Iliff-King phrasebook

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definition

and then the ashtray falls off expression or saying

This device is not as robust as its makers would have you believe

Origin

Callback to the Michael Flanders comedy monologue By Air from At the Drop of Another Hat (1964):
”…I know that every tiny part of this great machine is a miracle of modern engineering. Then the ashtray falls off.”

Collector

Iliff family – 1960s
Mark’s family growing up

Notes

For younger readers, an ashtray is a receptacle for cigarette ash, butts and other waste products of smoking. They used to pervade all public places.

Link

The monologue on YouTube [6:17]

Submitted: 30/06/2026 by Mark ● Last updated: 30/06/2026 12:59 by Mark

any thoughts?

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