Portrait of Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher

British PM, Iron Lady

Contemporary influential 154 sayings

Sayings by Margaret Thatcher

I have been asked by a reporter whether I am going to be Prime Minister this year. My answer is no. I have no such intention.

1975 — Interview, just before becoming Conservative Party leader
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I always cheer up immensely when I see a headline that says 'Minority of One'.

1987 — Interview with 'Woman's Own'
General Unverifiable

Don't follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you.

Approx. 1980s — Attributed, often cited in biographies
General Unverifiable

I am not anti-European. I am anti-federalist.

1990 — House of Commons speech
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

It is not a question of 'if' but 'when'.

1980s — Referring to the end of the Cold War
General Unverifiable

I am not a person who is afraid of confrontation.

1987 — Interview with 'Woman's Own'
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

1990 — Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7 on her resignation
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The greatest danger to this country is not communism, but complacency.

1977 — Speech to the Conservative Party Conference
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I am not prepared to sacrifice the future of this country on the altar of political expediency.

1980 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life.

Approx. 1980s — Attributed, often cited in biographies
General Unverifiable

I have spent a long time in politics and have come to the conclusion that there are some things you just cannot change.

1987 — Interview with 'Woman's Own'
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The fashion for wearing green wellies is not for me. I prefer something more elegant.

1980s — Interview, referring to her choice of footwear
General Unverifiable

Some people are still living in the past. We must move forward.

1980 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
General Unverifiable

I always wear a hat. It's a very practical thing, because it keeps your head warm and it keeps your hair tidy.

1980s — Interview, discussing her fashion choices
General Unverifiable

I do not believe in the politics of envy.

1975 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
General Unverifiable

It is not enough to have good intentions. You must also have the will to act.

1981 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
General Unverifiable

I am not here to preside over the decline of Britain.

1979 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I always cheer up immensely when I see an old woman jogging. It means I may have a future.

1980s — Reported anecdote
Shocking Unverifiable

We are not asking for a hand-out, but for a fair chance to stand on our own two feet.

1975 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Shocking Unverifiable

You turn if you want to. The lady's not for turning.

1980 — Speech to Conservative Party Conference
Shocking Unverifiable
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