as the actress said to the bishop

Definition

Used to highlight a sexual ambiguity in an innocent remark.

Etymology

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the occupation of actress was commonly associated with prostitute. The phrase plays on the contrasting natures of an actress or prostitute on one hand and a presumably (although possibly not actually) chaste bishop on the other.

Example Sentences

• "Heavens, that's a big one – as the actress said to the bishop."
• "The important thing was where you do it, not what you do (as the actress said to the bishop)"
• ""Oh, well," offered Andrews wryly, as she peeled a piece of fruit, "nothing like a hot banana — as the actress said to the bishop." She then apologized for the tacky sexual quip, explaining, "It just slipped out — as the actress said to the bishop.""

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