I don't profess to be profound; but I do lay claim to common sense.
 Charles Dickens, David Copperfield (1850). copy citation

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Author Charles Dickens
Source David Copperfield
Topic profundity common sense
Date 1850
Language English
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Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/766/766-h/766-h.htm

Context

“'I beg your pardon, my dear Jane,' said my mother, 'but are you quite sure—I am certain you'll excuse me, my dear Jane—that you understand Davy?'
'I should be somewhat ashamed of myself, Clara,' returned Miss Murdstone, 'if I could not understand the boy, or any boy. I don't profess to be profound; but I do lay claim to common sense.'
'No doubt, my dear Jane,' returned my mother, 'your understanding is very vigorous—' 'Oh dear, no! Pray don't say that, Clara,' interposed Miss Murdstone, angrily.
'But I am sure it is,' resumed my mother; 'and everybody knows it is.” source

Meaning and analysis

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