Howard Pitches KG the Black Opal, Explained: get your hands on something

What's really going on

The scene is a masterclass in selling, and what Howard sells is a story. He begins with the Ethiopian Jews and the geology of the mines, building a myth around a rock until it stops being merchandise and becomes a talisman: 'They say you can see the whole universe in opals.' KG, a professional athlete who lives on ritual and belief, is exactly the right audience, and he converts the stone into a promise of victory — he will wear it and destroy Philadelphia. Howard's refusal is part of the pitch too: he says it is set for auction, which only makes KG want it more, until the deal is struck and the ring becomes collateral. The cut on KG's hand turns the moment almost supernatural, and KG reads it as a sign. By the end the stone is out of Howard's hands, which is where his troubles begin.

Theme

What you'll learn

• Use get ahold of for contacting or obtaining something
• Understand worth shit as a vulgar way to say worthless
• Hear good for it as a promise of repayment
• Use collateral when discussing a pledged guarantee

Listen for

• Check this — elision
• hands on — liaison
• Hang on — liaison