unearths some literary gems.
From The Corpse in the Constable's Garden, by G. D. H. and Margaret Cole:
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"Crikey!" he said; and, feeling the comment inadequate, added, "My aunt!"
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"I shall stay at Coward's Hotel in Craven Street." [This is not some kind of metaphor: it is presented in a matter-of-fact way as a literal hotel (though I'm sure the authors' intention here was humorous).]
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"Don't pretend to be a fool, Hubert," said his wife. "You know you said you liked Proust."
"I said I liked him in moderation," said the Colonel. "The trouble was, there wasn't any moderation."
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"Praise the pigs there are two of them, anyhow." ["Praise the pigs" as a way of saying "thank goodness" was a new one on me! And, indeed, a quick look at Google Books suggests that this character may have been the only person ever to say it.]
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"He told me Barrington was a great authority on something or other, I've forgotten what."
[If I'm not mistaken, this is the second novel by the Coles in which I've encountered a character who is a "great authority on something or other," or words close to that. (:v>]
