Top 10 Genius Quotes in Sherlock

Saying that Sherlock gets restless without a case to work on is an understatement. In fact, some of his best moments happen when he’s trying to fill time in between murder mysteries. Whether he’s shooting at the wall, rummaging for cigarettes or simply trying to demean John, he just can’t seem to sit still. You can’t argue that during these periods he’s at least a little creative with his insults, though. Don’t be afraid to say what you feel, Sherlock – eh!

Despite all of Sherlock’s apparent arrogance, however, if anyone can put him in his place, it’s John. So, when Major Sholto locks himself in his room to accept his death, Sherlock has very little time to figure out a way to help him. A few choice words from John however, and the problem is soon solved. If you want this guy’s attention, then insult his intellect. John clearly knows his partner’s weak spot, and a sharp raising of his voice does the trick. He’s just a glorified babysitter, really.

Sherlock has an undeniably amazing brain. What’s strange, though, is how baffled he gets when everyday people can’t quite keep up. When Holmes finally deduces the meaning behind the message carved into the floor during the series premiere, he’s typically amazed that no one else has figured it out. And, in typically to-the-point fashion, he wastes no time in inferring his own intelligence. If making people feel small were a national sport, Sherlock would be the world champion!

Unlike most other things, Irene Adler’s a mystery to Sherlock from the get go. He just can’t read her like he can everyone else. And, seeing as he claims to have no interest in forming relationships, Irene poses a persistent problem to him. So, when she announces that she likes detectives because “brainy is the new sexy”, Sherlock’s uncharacteristically taken aback and even stumbles over his words. It can happen. It’s rare, but it can happen.

Devoted fans of the show wax lyrical on the friendship shared between Sherlock and John, so even the slightest compliment from one to the other can send the fandom into a frenzy. So, it’s no real surprise that his quote is so well-liked. After all, John’s summary of his enigmatic buddy is pretty accurate. And he’s not the only one to comment on Sherlock’s cheekbones – Irene Adler has, too! Holmes’ disbelief just isn’t fooling anyone.

This is one of the many “Sherlock” quotes that actually makes you think. The killer from the first episode, and the main villain throughout the series, Moriarty, needs constant recognition for the crimes that he commits. And Sherlock knows it. Chances are, Holmes is only so sure of the idea because he relates to it himself. He clearly enjoys the attention he gets for being a genius detective, after all. So, it’s sentiment straight from Sherlock’s own soul, even if it does relate to an evil maniac.

As one of the most often-repeated lines in the series, this had us questioning everything. Was Moriarty dead? How could he possibly be back? Of course we ‘missed you’, but what the heck is happening? The fourth series received very mixed reviews, but it definitely had plenty of show stopping moments, all set up by this four-word phrase. And, despite the seemingly conclusive events of series three, the writers clearly weren’t ready to let go of Moriarty just yet. And can you really blame them? Andrew Scott’s character is one of the best bits about the show!

Poor Anderson is always the butt of the joke. Even when Sherlock’s telling everyone in the room to shut up, he still singles out the Scotland Yard officer to make sure he’s especially offended. Anderson didcall Sherlock a psychopath, mind – rightly or wrongly – so he did kind of bring it on himself! And, in all honestly, some of the funniest moments in the show are when this guy gets humiliated by Sherlock for nothing more than simply being there.

It’s him again. Anderson can never quite get a word in with Sherlock around… And when he finally does, he just gets shot down. In the earlier episodes especially, he’s one of the few people that doesn’t fully appreciate Sherlock’s work – which is probably why he’s ridiculed so much. Like here, in the opening case, as Sherlock begins to place the clues despite Anderson’s obvious lack of faith. He’s put in his place quickly and effectively, though.

Used a few times throughout the show, it’s probably the most famous line of all. Not many things can offend Sherlock, but he seems to get right riled up whenever he’s called a psychopath. It’s quite understandable, really. But Sherlock’s most angry not about the general insult, but about the fact that he’s been misdiagnosed – and he’ll waste no time in correcting the term. Oh, and don’t ever call him a hero, either. Charles Augustus Magnussen tried that, only to get the same answer – but a far bloodier end result!