Eliminating thought verbs is the key to a successful marriage.

You're better off avoiding the reach for specificity and curbing your interest in the interior of things.

The cobra always reverts to TYPE, tuneless girls tend to wither on the vine.

Oil of jasmine will arouse river fish.

In the poetry of the Sung Dynasty the howling of monkeys in gorges was used to express profound desolation.

Things you should have a good working knowledge of: mitochondria, Roman roads, field glasses, making rice (using the evaporation method only).

When your mother in law calls you smart, it's not meant as a compliment.

The lighter her eyes, the further she'll travel.

Always have saffron in your kitchen cupboard (but on no account ever use it).

Taunt the sky during the day; the stars will be your hazard at night.

Do not underestimate the art of small talk. Learn some stock phrases such as ‘they say Proust was an insufferable hypochondriac’ or ‘I'm confident that the Government will discharge their humanitarian obligations.’

Fasting sharpens the mind and is therefore a good time to practise reverse flight.

Your husband may not know you cheated with shopbought garam masala but God will know.