Look Before You Leap

A reference to ornate Renaissance-era furniture, specifically a gilded wooden chaise longue used decoratively in wealthy households.

“Substitute a 16th-century giltwood fainting couch for hay and watch me roll!”— Niles

German creative director and fashion designer (1933-2019) who was head of Chanel, and also known for his namesake fragrance line.

“suddenly I smell Lagerfeld, and I — I look up, and there he is.”— Roz

French-born American fashion designer (1913-2006) known for designing Jacqueline Kennedy's wardrobe and for his ready-to-wear fashion line.

“NO, BUT I HEAR OLEG CASSINI TAKES THAT BUS”— Frasier

A 1948 comedy Western film starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell, which featured the Oscar-winning song 'Buttons and Bows.'

“a rather charming little ditty that I first sang three years ago on Classic Western Movie Week. So without further ado, I give you 'Buttons and Bows,' from Paleface.”— Frasier

A fictional character from the American television sitcom 'The Brady Bunch' (1969-1974), known for her wholesome, girl-next-door persona.

“How could I say 'I really liked you and I thought you were cute' — who am I, Marcia Brady?!”— Roz

A reference to the 1986 Spike Lee film 'She's Gotta Have It,' parodied by Niles as 'Niles gotta have it!'

“Niles gotta have it!”— Niles

A cultured cream product used in French cuisine, similar to sour cream but with higher fat content and less tangy flavor.

“When she says 'get together' she means in the 'You wear the crème fraiche, I'll lick it off' sense.”— Niles

A classic Italian dish consisting of breaded and fried veal cutlet, originating from Milan.

“along with some Veal Milanese and a rather disappointing Chardonnay”— Frasier

Diana, Princess of Wales, known for her iconic hairstyles and fashion, was a member of the British royal family.

“Do you think I should get it cut like Princess Di?”— Martin

American Quaker poet (1807-1892) known for his poem 'Maud Muller,' which contains the famous lines about 'it might have been.'

“I'm reminded of a quotation by John Greenleaf Whittier: 'For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: It might have been'”— Frasier

A dramatic phrase with roots in Shakespeare and older English literature, meaning to bitterly regret. 'Rue' derives from Old English 'hreowan' (to make sorry). …

“You will rue the day!”— Frasier

A popular song written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, originally featured in the 1948 film 'The Paleface' starring Bob Hope.

“I'm singing 'Buttons and Bows' tonight at the P.B.S. pledge drive.”— Frasier

The Roman god of love, often depicted as a winged child carrying a bow and arrow.

“You'll all be glad to know that Cupid's arrow has hit its mark.”— Frasier

A 13-day confrontation in October 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba.

“remember when you were a kid and your mother and I wouldn't discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis in front of you because we knew it'd give you bad dreams?”— Martin

A sock puppet character created by puppeteer Shari Lewis, featured on the children's television show 'Lamb Chop's Play-Along' on PBS.

“No, Lamb Chop's not here.”— Roz

A large yellow bird character from the PBS children's television show 'Sesame Street.'

“Big Bird isn't here either.”— Roz

A concept from Turkish/Arabic meaning fate or destiny, often used to describe a seemingly predestined encounter.

“we were really connecting. I started to believe in kismet.”— Roz

An automobile manufactured by American Motors Corporation, known for producing exhaust smoke as it aged.

“Like a '56 Rambler!”— Frasier

An opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi, based on a play by Victor Hugo, premiered in 1851.

“I have chosen to sing a very challenging aria from Verdi's Rigoletto”— Frasier

Italian Romantic opera composer (1813-1901), one of the most influential composers of the 19th century.

“I have chosen to sing a very challenging aria from Verdi's Rigoletto”— Frasier

A widely grown green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine, originally from the Burgundy region of France.

“along with some Veal Milanese and a rather disappointing Chardonnay”— Frasier

Scotch whisky, a malt or grain whisky made in Scotland.

“think your guy down at the liquor store could send a bottle of Scotch to my buddy Jimmy in Montana?”— Martin

A fortified wine made from white grapes grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.

“[pouring sherry] You know, as much as I admire your willingness to take a leap”— Niles