The Cursing of Gregory Hardware
He was a stand-up kind of guy, a nice old gentleman, but not buttoned-up too tightly, as you noticed. He was so vain, it was easy to set him up. Listen to this: he believed that an evil spirit put a curse on his business. It was all lies! I made it all up. And he fell for it! What a sap! He took my advice and put his house up for sale, sold the car in part exchange for another vehicle, and parceled up his only winter suit to take to the pawnbroker. He took his stuff and went. Personally, I think he made a very sensible move.
Hey, I’m only human. I’m sorry he’s gone. Anyway, who gives a fuck, actually? Business is booming. Cutting throats is the best way of cutting costs.
Sources: New Oxford American Dictionary, Collins COBUILD Primary Learner’s Dictionary, Dictionary of American Slang