Limp celery

Celery that has gone limp. An expression, while outwardly conveying a a firm impression, inwardly implies equivocation, doubt and anxiety — each of which being zen states of mind for the jobbing lawyer, of course.

Nominalisation is a good way of softening up declarations which, otherwise, might suggest you have an opinion or have exercised actual judgment. A cautious attorney, instead of supporting a proposal, might indicate that she is supportive of it. Likewise, instead of agreeing with a colleagues contention, she might be inclined to agree, thus reserving the right to veer off in a different direction at a later date should expedience require it.