Therefore, they solemnly intone, we should stop wasting lives and treasure trying to achieve it.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Democratic defeatism

When something goes wrong, managers simply intone: It would be un-Japanese to fire anyone or to close plants.

FORBES: A setting sun?

He would turn, level the pellet gun, intone: Are you aware of the usage of this human implement?

NEWYORKER: Tenth of December

They can pinpoint someone talking from half a car away, and will intone "This is a QUIET car" to the stranger.

WSJ: Shhh! 'Quiet Cars' Turn Commuters Into Librarians

We must not take away from these remarkable achievements, ministers would intone: children today work much harder than in my day, and teachers are doing a wonderful job.

ECONOMIST: Fixing British education

Now, as people around the world intone the proposition that the United States is the world's only superpower, it is therefore tempted to pursue foreign-policy goals all by itself.

ECONOMIST: The many-handed Mr Eizenstat

At times, in 15 years covering the PC market as an analyst, I have felt like an undertaker, donning a black coat to intone respectfully on the fine qualities of yet another recently departed computer company.

FORBES: HP Divestiture Plan Reveals Widening Cracks In The PC Business