in due course

A British version of the Spanish phrase "Mañana"; theoretically, it means "soon, very soon"; whereas in fact, everyone knows that using the phrase is passive-aggressive English code for "You will die of old age before this ever gets done."

The British government announced that they would fill the vacancy of Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, "in due course." The journalists smiled wryly, knowing this meant the post would be left vacant for months, or even years on end.

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