Best Dowager Countess Quotes in Downton Abbey Movie

I don’t know about you, but hands down my favorite character from Downtown Abbey is the Dowager Countess of Grantham, also known as Violet Crawley. Her wit, sarcasm, and side eye keep me laughing! She was impeccable in the Downton Abbey movie, too. Here are the best Downton Abbey movie quotes from the Dowager Countess herself. 

Best Downton Abbey Movie Quotes from the Dowager Countess

Some of the best Downton Abbey movie quotes come from interactions between the Dowager and Isobel Crawley. They are friendship goals. 

Did I miss any of your favorite Violet Crawley quotes? Drop them in the comments below. 

On the King and Queen coming for a visit…

Dowager Countess: Will you have enough cliches to get through the visit? 
Isobel Crawley: If not, I’ll come to you.

On Scheming

Isobel: And you’re an expert in the matter?
Dowager: I am an expert in every matter.

Isobel: I see a Machiavellian look in your eye.
Dowager: Machiavelli is frequently underrated. He had many qualities.

On Being Helpful

Mr. Carson: I went where I felt like I could do the most good.
Dowager: (while giving Isobel the side eye): Wise words for all of us.

Dowager: “Thank you. That was helpful.”
Isobel: “I told you I wanted to help.”
Dowager: “Thanks to you we have her cornered.”
<Isobel looks in horror>

On Having a Sharp Tongue

Dowager: “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.” 

Dowager: “What simpletons men are.”

Lord Grantham: “Let’s not argue.”
Dowager: “I never argue. I explain.”

On Corruption

Dowager: “Well find a friendly judge.”
Lord Grantham: “Friendly or corrupt?”
Dowager: “Whichever does the trick.”

On Just Being the Dowager We Love

King of England: “Were you effected by the strikes?”
Dowager: “My maid was rather curt with me. She’s a communist at heart.”

Dowager: “Dislike it? I will lick the stamps myself.”

Isobel: “Oh Violet. After all these years you still astonish me.”
Dowager: “Oh good, I’m glad I’m a revelation and not a disappointment.

Thank you to Maggie Smith for being such a gem. Without her we would never have these hilarious Dowager Downton Abbey movie quotes!  Here is my ‘Is Downton Abbey kid friendly‘ movie review if you’re thinking about taking the kiddos.