House of Cards Quotes

Context

This line is spoken by Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, in the TV show House of Cards (2013—).

If we're making the Shakespeare connection with House of Cards, and it definitely is Shakespearean with its soliloquies, backstabbing plots, and meditations on hubris, then Claire Underwood (played by Robin Wright) is definitely the Lady Macbeth to Frank Underwood's Macbeth. She does the scheming thing just as well, if not better, than her husband. From the first episode, Claire works with Frank to take down Michael Kern, who got the position of Secretary of State even though President Walker promised it to him in return for his support in Congress.

Even though their marriage and love life suffer down the road, Frank and Claire always see themselves as partners in power. Think Beyoncé and Jay-Z, but with murder and corruption instead of music, fashion, and entrepreneurship. And like Frank, Claire always wants more and even rises to the position of Ambassador to the United Nations in Season 3.

Frank and Claire Underwood are definitely a pair of sharks, and they are ready to chew and spit out anyone in their path to the White House from the powerful to the not so powerful, like Freddie, the owner of Frank's favorite rib joint. Journalists, politicians, and even activists aren't safe from their plotting.

Where you've heard it

You've heard it when someone wants to say something romantic about their significant other, but want to take things a little darker. Or they've been binge-watching House of Cards on Netflix all day.

Additional Notable References:

• This line makes Parade's list of the best Frank Underwood quotes.
• Here is a Vogue article about why Frank and Claire Underwood are the perfect couple.
• And if you want more quotes about sharks and blood, check out the song "Irresistible" from Fall Out Boy. It's all about painful relationships, and the Demi Lovato guest vocals make even better. Apologies in advance for the NSYNC dolls in the music video.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Unless you're a member of a power couple at least on par with Frank and Claire Underwood (or George and Amal Clooney for the nicer version), please don't say this to your boyfriend or girlfriend in public.