grumble

Insiders say No 10’s focus groups - which have been asked about the Budget in the last few days - have understood the decisions, reporting some grumbles but not much sign of outrage.

That is the direct consequence of a landslide majority, which can become a giant numerical sponge, soaking up a breadth of grumbles if it needs to.

After record-breaking winter rain left Long Beach’s roads riddled with tens of thousands of potholes, residents grumbled about how long it would take to smooth out the motorist minefield.

Even then, some fans grumbled that he didn’t win a title every season.

“Some taxi drivers grumble throughout the journey after I have boarded,” he adds.