Had Mr. Pickwick been alone, these multiplied obstacles wouldhave completely put an end to the pursuit at once, but old Wardle wasnot to be so easily daunted; and he laid about him with such heartygood-will, cuffing this man, and pushing that; strapping a buckle here,and taking in a link there, that the chaise was ready in a muchshorter time than could reasonably have been expected, under so manydifficulties.
( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well, if I knew as little of life as that, I'd eat my hat and swallowthe buckle whole,' said the clerical gentleman.