Meaning: This quote by Don Rickles, the iconic comedian known for his sharp wit and comedic roasts, uses a vivid and humorous metaphor to convey the idea of an impossible or mismatched situation. The quote is a playful commentary on the marriage of singer Eddie Fisher to Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor in the late 1950s, a union that captured the public's attention and became the subject of much scrutiny and gossip.

When Don Rickles likened the marriage of Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor to "trying to wash the Empire State Building with a bar of soap," he was conveying the idea of a seemingly futile and mismatched effort. The Empire State Building, an iconic skyscraper known for its grandeur and size, represents an enormous and imposing structure. In contrast, a bar of soap is a small and ordinary object used for cleaning, creating a stark juxtaposition between the two elements. By using this comparison, Rickles humorously suggests that Fisher's attempt to navigate a relationship with the larger-than-life Elizabeth Taylor was akin to an insurmountable task.

To provide context, Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor's relationship garnered widespread attention due to the scandalous nature of their union. Fisher, a popular singer at the time, was married to actress Debbie Reynolds when he began an affair with Taylor, who was mourning the tragic death of her third husband, producer Mike Todd. Fisher eventually divorced Reynolds and married Taylor in 1959, marking the beginning of a highly publicized and controversial chapter in both of their lives.

The quote by Don Rickles reflects the incredulity and amusement that many people felt about the Fisher-Taylor union. It captures the sense of disbelief and incredulity at the unlikely pairing of the relatively unassuming Fisher with the glamorous and larger-than-life Taylor. The use of humor and exaggeration in the metaphor serves to underscore the absurdity of the situation and elicit a lighthearted response from the audience.

Don Rickles, known for his acerbic comedic style and fearless approach to poking fun at celebrities and public figures, was adept at using colorful language and vivid imagery to create memorable and impactful quips. His remark about Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor's marriage encapsulates his skill in crafting humorous and incisive observations about the entertainment industry and popular culture.

In conclusion, Don Rickles' quote about Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth Taylor's marriage serves as a witty and astute commentary on the perceived incongruity of their relationship. Through the use of a vivid and humorous metaphor, Rickles captures the public's fascination and incredulity at the union, while showcasing his talent for delivering memorable and incisive comedic insights. The quote continues to be celebrated as a prime example of Rickles' comedic genius and his ability to distill complex and sensationalized events into succinct and humorous commentary.