As the thatcher said to the bishop

Posted by Antony Smythe on May 07, 2000

In Reply to: As the thatcher said to the bishop posted by Gary on May 07, 2000

: : Just caught this as a throw away remark on an English program on TV the other night. Sorry can't even offer any context for it. But is does sound interesting.

: : Any ideas what is meant ?

: Did you hear that correctly? It's usually 'as the actress said to the bishop'. I've never been entirely sure what it means, although it does imply some kind of naughty business - actress used to be a euphemism for prostitute.

: Gary

Whether my contribution is disregarded or not the comment in the programme in question referred to some disagreements between the Archbishop of Canterbury and PM Thatcher in the 1980s. Yes it was a play on the better know expression "as the actress said to the bishop" but, with due respect, that was not the question.

• As the thatcher said to the bishop Bob 05/08/00
  • As the thatcher said to the bishop The Professor 05/09/00