His most classic example is the effect of the phrase "a little rebellion.
In a letter to a friend, he argued that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing.
Making a mess was one of his little rebellions against her.
"Now," said Morgen, "we end this little rebellion of yours before it gets started."
It's about a yearning for freedom, staying in touch with risk, a little rebellion, maybe, but that's American.
Love and lust and more than a little rebellion, right?
As my little rebellion, I have resolved to keep my tree and decorations up until at least this weekend.
But what if I'm on his side in this little rebellion?
"Well, my friends, a little rebellion is what the Buchanan brigades are all about."
Abigail took his wish for "a little rebellion now and then" quite to heart and was not pleased.