He was bright enough as a young chap, and we used to think he would have a brilliant future; but when the time came, he never seemed to catch on.

He wasn't progressive, and he has never amounted to much more than he did when he left college.
What I say about him is that he had the wrong ideas--Yes, Jane, I mean exactly what I say, he had the wrong ideas.

He doesn't know what he is driving at.

No progress, no push, no punch in him." "Why, Charley," murmured Mrs.Carr reproachfully, while Jane, recovering her nagging manner with an accession of spirit, remonstrated feelingly: "Charley, you really must be more careful what you say." "Oh, fudge!" retorted Charley, with playful rudeness.

"You see she's at it still, Gabriella," he pursued, winking audaciously.