Meaning: The quote "Lord Birkenhead is very clever but sometimes his brains go to his head" is a witty and astute observation made by Margot Asquith, a British socialite, author, and wit. Asquith was known for her sharp wit and clever turn of phrase, and this quote is a prime example of her ability to succinctly capture a complex idea with humor and insight.

At first glance, the quote may seem paradoxical or even nonsensical. After all, the phrase "his brains go to his head" seems to suggest that Lord Birkenhead's intelligence or cleverness is causing him some sort of problem. However, a closer examination reveals the underlying cleverness and irony in Asquith's words.

The quote can be interpreted as a playful jab at Lord Birkenhead's intellectual arrogance or tendency to boast about his own intelligence. By stating that his "brains go to his head," Asquith cleverly implies that while Lord Birkenhead may indeed be very clever, he also has a tendency to let his intelligence inflate his ego or lead him to act in a self-important manner. In other words, Asquith is suggesting that Lord Birkenhead's cleverness, rather than being a purely positive attribute, can sometimes lead him to behave in a way that is less than admirable.

Margot Asquith's choice of words is particularly clever because it employs a play on words that is both humorous and thought-provoking. The phrase "his brains go to his head" is a clever twist on the more common expression "his success has gone to his head," which is used to describe someone who becomes arrogant or conceited due to their achievements or intelligence. By using this play on words, Asquith adds an extra layer of irony and wit to her observation, turning a familiar phrase on its head to create a new and memorable expression.

It's worth noting that Lord Birkenhead, also known as Frederick Edwin Smith, was a prominent British statesman and jurist in the early 20th century. He was known for his sharp intellect and formidable debating skills, which earned him a reputation as a brilliant legal mind and orator. However, he was also known for his flamboyant and sometimes arrogant demeanor, which may have inspired Asquith's witty remark about his "brains going to his head."

In conclusion, Margot Asquith's quote "Lord Birkenhead is very clever but sometimes his brains go to his head" is a clever and humorous observation that uses wordplay to highlight the potential pitfalls of excessive cleverness or intelligence. Through her choice of words and playful twist on a familiar expression, Asquith captures the complex relationship between intelligence and ego, delivering a memorable and thought-provoking insight into the human condition.