"London's for the taking."
Peaky Blinders - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I don't pay for suits. My suits are on the house or the house burns down.
— Thomas Shelby
Context:
In Season 1, Episode 3, Tommy states this to establish his newfound authority in Birmingham. It's a clear, concise declaration of the gang's power and his refusal to be seen as just another customer or citizen.
Meaning:
This quote perfectly encapsulates Tommy's ruthless ambition and his assertion of power. It's not about the suit; it's about establishing dominance and making it clear that the Peaky Blinders operate by their own rules, taking what they want through intimidation and the threat of violence.
Don't f*** with the Peaky Blinders.
— Polly Gray
Context:
Polly delivers this iconic line multiple times, but one of the most memorable instances is in Season 2 as a direct threat to Inspector Campbell, solidifying her role as the formidable matriarch who will stop at nothing to protect her family.
Meaning:
This is the ultimate mission statement of the Shelby family. Delivered by Polly, it's a fierce, protective warning that encapsulates the family's unity, dangerous reputation, and the severe consequences of crossing them. It is both a threat and a declaration of identity.
Everyone's a w****, Grace. We just sell different parts of ourselves.
— Thomas Shelby
Context:
In Season 1, Tommy says this to Grace in the Garrison pub while they are getting to know each other. It's a moment of raw honesty that gives Grace—and the audience—a glimpse into the bleak worldview that shapes his actions.
Meaning:
This cynical yet insightful line reveals Tommy's core philosophy about the world. He sees everyone as compromised and transactional, believing that all people, regardless of class or profession, sell some part of themselves—be it their bodies, their labor, or their morals—to survive or get ahead.
He'll be in hell in a little while. He'll be there on time. May you be in heaven a full half-hour before the devil knows you're dead.
— Grace Shelby
Context:
Grace says this to Tommy in Season 3, reflecting her deep understanding of his nature and the violent world they are both a part of. It's a moment of dark affection that acknowledges their shared, compromised morality.
Meaning:
Originating from an old Irish drinking toast, this quote is a dark, witty blessing that reflects the show's blend of charm and violence. It wishes someone a brief, sneaky moment of peace in the afterlife before they inevitably face damnation, a fitting sentiment for the world the characters inhabit.
Whisky's good proofing water. Tells you who's real and who isn't.
— Thomas Shelby
Context:
A sentiment expressed by Tommy early in the series, it establishes his method of vetting people. Business deals and crucial conversations are often conducted over whiskey, as he observes how others handle their drink and their words.
Meaning:
This quote illustrates Tommy's shrewd and cautious nature. He uses alcohol not just for pleasure or escape, but as a tool to disarm others and reveal their true character and intentions. It's a testament to his strategic mind, where every interaction is a potential source of intelligence.