Deciphering the Enigma: 28 Memorable Quotes from BBC’s ‘Sherlock’

“Elementary, my dear Watson” may be the most well-known phrase associated with Sherlock Holmes, but the BBC series “Sherlock” has given fans a plethora of memorable quotes, demonstrating the titular character’s wit, arrogance, and unique perspective on life. Here are some of the best quotes from the show:

Sherlock Quotes

1. Sherlock Holmes: “I’m not a psychopath, Anderson. I’m a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research.”This quote from the pilot episode, “A Study in Pink,” sets the tone for Sherlock’s character throughout the series – intelligent, eccentric, and unapologetically blunt.
2. Sherlock Holmes: “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”Borrowed from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original works, this quote encapsulates Sherlock’s approach to solving cases.
3. John Watson: “You don’t have a girlfriend then?” Sherlock Holmes: “Girlfriend? No, not really my area.” John Watson: “Oh, right. Do you have a boyfriend? Which is fine, by the way.” Sherlock Holmes: “I know it’s fine.”This quote showcases the open and progressive nature of the series, as well as Sherlock’s lack of interest in romantic pursuits.
4. Sherlock Holmes: “The game, Mrs. Hudson, is on!”Sherlock’s infectious enthusiasm for a new case is captured perfectly in this catchphrase, a modernized version of the iconic “The game is afoot” line from the original stories.
5. Mycroft Holmes: “All lives end. All hearts are broken. Caring is not an advantage, Sherlock.”Mycroft’s quote reveals the Holmes brothers’ shared cynicism about emotional connections and vulnerability, a recurring theme in the series.
6. Sherlock Holmes: “People have died.” John Watson: “That’s what people DO!”This intense exchange between Sherlock and John highlights the emotional tension that often underlies their professional partnership.
7. Sherlock Holmes: “I may be on the side of the angels, but don’t think for one second that I am one of them.”This quote is a perfect summation of Sherlock’s morally complex character – a hero who doesn’t always play by traditional heroic rules.
8. Sherlock Holmes: “Alone is what I have. Alone protects me.” John Watson: “No. Friends protect people.”This poignant conversation between Sherlock and John shows the dichotomy between Sherlock’s self-imposed isolation and John’s belief in the power of relationships and community.
9. Sherlock Holmes: “I’ve always assumed that love is a dangerous disadvantage. Thank you for the final proof.”
10. Sherlock Holmes: “Bitterness is a paralytic. Love is a much more vicious motivator.”
11. Mycroft Holmes: “You see, but you do not observe.”
12. Sherlock Holmes: “Anderson, don’t talk out loud. You lower the IQ of the whole street.”
13. Sherlock Holmes: “I’m not a hero. I’m a high-functioning sociopath.”
14. John Watson: “The problems of your past are your business. The problems of your future are my privilege.”
15. Sherlock Holmes: “It’s not a ‘text’, it’s a ‘note’.”
16. Sherlock Holmes: “I’d be lost without my blogger.”
17. Moriarty: “Every fairy tale needs a good old-fashioned villain.”
18. John Watson: “Sherlock Holmes is a great man, and I think one day—if we’re very, very lucky—he might even be a good one.”
19. Sherlock Holmes: “John, there’s something I should say; I’ve meant to say always and I never have. Since it’s unlikely we’ll ever meet again, I might as well say it now…”
20. Sherlock Holmes: “Once you rule out the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, is the answer.”
21. Mycroft Holmes: “Oh, Sherlock. What do we say about coincidence?” Sherlock Holmes: “The universe is rarely so lazy.”
22. Moriarty: “I’m so changeable! It is a weakness with me, but to be fair to myself, it is my only weakness.”
23. John Watson: “You machine!” Sherlock Holmes: “I’m not a machine! How would you listen to yourself?”
24. Sherlock Holmes: “I’ve always been able to keep myself distant. Divorce myself from feelings. But look, you see, body’s betraying me. Interesting, yes?”
25. Sherlock Holmes: “Sentiment is a chemical defect found in the losing side.”
26. John Watson: “You’re a drama queen! Now, get in the car.” Sherlock Holmes: “I dislike being outnumbered, it makes for too much stupid in the room.”
27. Mycroft Holmes: “Don’t be smart, Sherlock. I’m the smart one.” Sherlock Holmes: “I am the smarter. I’m the smart one.”
28. Sherlock Holmes: “I am not a psychopath, I’m a highly functioning sociopath, with your number.”

30 Best Sherlock Quotes Ever

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