The most famous saying of Columbo is obviously "just one more thing/question", but there were some other sayings, too.

- one thing that bothers me
- I don't want to bother you
- my wife says ...
- I'm just trying to tie up loose ends. Nothing important, you understand.
- it doesn't mean anything
- it's to my report
- oh (I think it's the most frequent one)

By the way: is it possible to recognize Columbo's accent/dialect of his English? Does he sound as a New Yorker?

I always get a kick out of how Columbo gains access to a high-profile suspect's house or office because the 'gardener' or 'secretary' said it's fine for him to just waltz in and knock boots with himself with no warrant.

"Oh, hey! Your maid said it was ok if I searched your files.. said you wouldn't mind."

Many assistants/servants end up inadvertently spilling the beans for their own boss! Loose lips, as they say.

But I think that if a suspect "would mind", Columbo would come back with a warrant. And he knew that a suspect would rather play a role of an innocent person who has nothing to hide. Columbo tested them in such a way.

He was also secured by a policemen nearby in case a suspect would attempt to kill him, (in some episodes he warned suspects).

And of course: "if you don't mind" ...

"Believe me Sir, you will be the first to know"

"I-I-I see."

Once came across a customer who said it the same way. What he meant was "Really? You expect me to believe that?!?"

Sort of like "I see" is when he asks the killer about something that would clearly point to his guilt, and the killer suggests some other scenario about the clue, and Columbo says:

"Well that would explain it."

Meaning of course, well, in theory that "would" explain it -- but of course we both know the real explanation, which is that you did the murder.

Except that goes without saying, so usually Columbo just pretends he buys the story, and waves his arm and begins to leave. Then comes back again.

There's at least one expression that's popular among the killers themselves. It's telling someone they have "the subtlety of a train wreck."
Dexter Paris says it to Columbo himself, Emmett Clayton says it to Berozki, and there's at least one more time I can't think of.

The third "trainwreck" quote was in Double Exposure. Keppel says it to Columbo in the grocery store when he asks Keppel if he was about to be canned.

"My wife, she's a big fan of yours"

"but that's just me"

Gee that's funny

I was in the neighborhood

A head of lettuce and two quarts of milk

Murderer "what have you got to go on?"
Columbo "At this stage, not a lot"


Walking into someone's home "This is a great place you have"

"well I'll be a son of a gun"

"My wife will get a kick out of this"

Whilst searching every pocket..."what did I do with that, it's here somewhere"