Life is hard

( prov.)

   [XEROX PARC] This phrase has two possible interpretations: (1) "While
   your suggestion may have some merit, I will behave as though I hadn't
   heard  it."  (2)  "While  your  suggestion has obvious merit, equally
   obvious  circumstances  prevent  it from being seriously considered."
   The  charm  of the phrase lies precisely in this subtle but important
   ambiguity.

[glossary]