Summary

  • Tommy Shelby's memorable quotes showcase his complexity as a character, from his capacity for violence to his twisted sense of humor.
  • Tommy's confidence and strategic thinking set him apart as a powerful and terrifying protagonist on Peaky Blinders.
  • The best Thomas Shelby quotes reveal his tragic past, unyielding determination, and his ability to manipulate others.

Content warning: The following contains discussions of violence, murder, and suicide.There are many memorable Thomas Shelby quotes from Peaky Blinders that solidify him as one of the most complex protagonists on television. The Shelby family patriarch, Thomas "Tommy" Shelby has everything that makes a perfect antihero. He finds it easy to kill, a trait that can be traced back to his time in World War I, and has better strategies than all of the competition. Most importantly, he speaks confidently and convincingly too. Tommy has a penchant for infusing creativity into his sentences. Whether he's talking to a family member, a high-ranking government official, or a foe, the best Thomas Shelby quotes speak to the power of this man.

Though a Peaky Blinders movie is on the way, Peaky Blinders is officially over as a TV show. It left on a high note with the finale especially delivering some of the show's best moments and classic quotes. Most of the best lines in the series come from Tommy himself and show how layered he is as a character. These memorable lines highlight the tragedy and sorrow in his life, the dark brutality he is capable of, and even the twisted sense of humor he rarely lets show. Tommy Shelby is a TV character who will live on long after the show's end and these quotes cement that fact.

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20 “You Can Change What You Do, But You Can’t Change What You Want.”

Season 3, Episode 3

Cillian Murphy's Tommy and Sophie Rundle's Ada at a funeral in Peaky Blinders.

Tommy's sister Ada is one of the few people who stands up to him and challenges some of the things he does. However, Tommy is quite good at getting under her skin as well. Tommy challenges the person Ada attempts to be by suggesting that is not the person she actually is. As with many quotes from Tommy, this is aimed at someone else but can speak to his own personality. Tommy has often tried to become something else but is drawn back into the life of a gangster as he is more comfortable in that dark world.

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19 “Lies Travel Faster Than The Truth.”

Season 1, Episode 3

Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby

The enemies of the Blinders use a lot of different tactics in an attempt to take out the gang which Tommy isn't surprised by. When Danny Whizz-Bang returns from London, he reports to Tommy that he heard news of an IRA member being shot by one of the Blinders. Tommy assures him that it is a lie but immediately knows it is being intentionally spread. Tommy has a very cynical view of the world and understands that people will latch on to a lie more than the truth. Sadly, Tommy sees little reason in the world to change some of these dark and untrusting opinions of people.

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18 "Today It Will Be Me Dead Or You. But Whoever It Is, He’ll Wake Up In Hell Tomorrow."

Season 2, Episode 6

Campbell looking vicious in Peaky Blinders

Campbell makes for one of the best villains on Peaky Blinders and his antagonistic relationship with Tommy yields some of the show's best moments. In their final confrontation, the two men dig under each other's skin in every way possible. Finally, Campbell suggests he's already won because he is a man of God while Tommy is sure to be damned. However, Tommy delivers this epic line which cuts through Campbell's idea of himself as a righteous man. It also shows that, despite all the terrible things Tommy has done, he at least knows the type of man he is and the punishment that awaits him.

17 "When You Plan Something Well, There’s No Need To Rush."

Season 2, Episode 6

Tommy Shelby looking to the side in Peaky Blinders

Throughout the series, Tommy often kept a relatively calm temperament even in the most intense circumstances. When Campbell forces the Blinders to carry out his dark deeds, he meets Tommy at the racetrack and suggests that he should be busy if he plans on pulling the job off. Tommy points out that a well-laid plan means that there is no need to rush. It is another moment of Tommy's confidence shining through as he doesn't leave things to chance and always ensures that he is one step ahead of his enemies. Case in point, he says this to Campbell while also knowing that his plan will actually put an end to the inspector.

16 "The Only Way To Guarantee Peace Is By Making The Prospect Of War Seem Hopeless."

Season 3, Episode 2

Tommy frowning and looking confused in Peaky Blinders

Though the Blinders are all complicit in some terrible things, those close to Tommy are often shocked by the things that he does. After agreeing to peace with his enemies, Polly learns that Tommy has gone back on that deal and struck them with a devastating attack. When she confronts him about it, Tommy makes it clear he doesn't believe in peace talks and that the best way to end the fighting is to show the enemy there is no way to win. It is the kind of cold-blooded and remorseless view that made Tommy so powerful and so terrifying.

15 "I Don't Pay For Suits. My Suits Are On The House Or The House Burns Down."

Season 1, Episode 3

Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders.

As Grace and Tommy prepare to go to the races together for the first time, she laments about not finding an appropriate dress to wear. She then asks him if he has paid for the suit he'll be wearing. Being the boss of the most feared criminal organization in Birmingham has its perks as he doesn't pay. The fashion-savvy Tommy Shelby expects tailors to hand him the best suits, or else they'll be made to go out of business. It's for their own good - and his too - because he gets to satisfy his fashion appetites without spending a dime. This move matches old mob practices where small businesses are expected to remit part of their revenue to the reigning criminal organization.

14 "Conviction Introduces Emotion, Which Is The Enemy Of Oratory."

Season 5, Episode 6

Tommy Shelby discusses his House Of Representatives speech with Winston Churchill in Peaky Blinders

Among the historical figures on Peaky Blinders, Winston Churchill appears and requests a meeting with Tommy where he compliments him for giving a beautiful speech in the House of Representatives. The then Home Secretary wonders whether Tommy believes his own words. Tommy doesn't. According to him, being emotionally attached to an issue makes it harder to talk about it. In this scene, Tommy and Churchill realize they have much more in common than they thought. They both understand the importance of saying what needs to be said to achieve a specific goal. Churchill also points out that Tommy's quote is borrowed from Greek literature. This revelation paints Tommy as not just a gangster but a scholar too.

13 "If You Make The Wrong Choice, You Won't See 11:44."

Season 3, Episode 3

Tommy interrogates an associate of The Economic League in Peaky Blinders

Tommy interrogates an associate of The Economic League, aka Section D, in prison, but the man refuses to talk. Tommy thus takes out his clock. It's approaching 11:43. He gives the man seconds to decide who he is more afraid of, the Blinders or Section D. The Blinders' boss has a strong belief in his own abilities; hence he thinks of himself as far more capable than all his enemies. In truth, the far-right organization has proven to be way more dangerous than the Blinders as it has some of the most sadistic and evilest people on the show. Nevertheless, the manner in which Tommy packages the words in his threats always does the trick.

12 "Good Taste Is For People Who Can't Afford Sapphires."

Season 3, Episode 2

Tommy and Grace attend a charity dinner in peaky Blinders

Though Grace was killed off in season 3 of Peaky Blinders, it's unclear if her romance with Tommy really would have worked out as they are so different. Since they are going to a charity event, Grace is concerned that it wouldn't be in good taste for her to wear the sapphire necklace Tommy gave her. Grace is right to be concerned about showing off in an event that is meant to help the less fortunate but Tommy also believes that the rich ought not have to be apologetic about their wealth. It's a matter of perspective. The line shows his romantic side, but this line is more of a helping hand for Grace as she gets accustomed to Tommy's life.

11 "When Fortune Drops Something Valuable Into Your Lap, You Don't Just Dump It On The Bank Of The Cut."

Season 1, Episode 1

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby with a rifle over his shoulder in Peaky Blinders Season 4

Among the many important things that happen in the Peaky Blinders pilot is the Birmingham gang grabbing the wrong crate of weapons during a routine pickup. It turns out it's a cache of government artillery headed for Libya. Tommy is urged to return it, but he refuses. Trouble comes in the form of Inspector Campbell, who is sent to retrieve the weapons. However, Tommy's decision to hold on to the weapons proves to be the right move later on. If he'd given back the weapons, he'd never have achieved certain things in his life, including marrying Grace and being a close associate of Winston Churchill.

10 "I'm Just An Extreme Example Of What A Working Man Can Achieve."

Dangerous (Season 4, Episode 4)

Tommy reassures Niall Delvin that they wont go down for their involvement in the riots in Peaky Blinders

Niall Devlin gets paranoid when mines and factories shut down because of the Shelby company's activities. He tells Tommy that they might get shot for being traitors to their class. However, Tommy doesn't believe he is a traitor to his class and only sees himself as a hardworking man. Crime shows and movies have always reminded viewers that established criminals see no problems with their actions. They consider their trade to be as important as any other job. Tommy shares the same opinion. He is also right about himself being a hardworking man since he rose from a frontline soldier in the trenches to one of the biggest crime lords in Britain.

9 "I Think, Arthur. That's What I Do. I Think. So That You Don't Have To."

Season 1, Episode 1

Tommy and Arthur Shelby

Tommy and his reckless brother Arthur share many memorable moments on the show but their relationship is always a little uneasy. Arthur once calls out Tommy for thinking that he can take on Billy Kimber by himself. Tommy puts him in his place, instructing him to leave "thinking" to him since he's the one who's good at it. Tommy is aware that Arthur is more of a brawn than brains kind of person. He knows his brother isn't the best decision-maker, and that's why he brushes off his concerns very quickly. Tommy's conclusions about Arthur are quickly proven when Arthur's carelessness makes him the first member of the Peaky Blinders to be arrested by Inspector Campbell.

8 "No Fighting. No F***ing Fighting, No Fighting, NO F***ING FIGHTING!"

Season 3, Episode 1

Tommy Shelby warns the Peaky Blinders not to fight at his wedding

As the central character with whom fans spend the most time throughout Peaky Blinders' six seasons, Tommy Shelby is almost always a key part of some of the show's most iconic scenes. That includes this, one of the most recognizable moments from the show with one of Peaky Blinders' most iconic quotes. Tommy is a great leader and inspires both fear and confidence in those around him, and this is a classic example of that as he attempts to keep the families civil on the day of his wedding. Ending his plea for peace by attacking a waiter who bumped into him makes this moment all the better and one of the few moments of comedy on the show.

7 "It's Not A Good Idea To Look At Tommy Shelby The Wrong Way."

Season 1, Episode 2

Tommy dances with Grace on their first night ought in Peaky Blinders

After discovering that Grace never worked in Dublin as she claimed, Tommy begins suspecting her. To spook her, he tells her a story of how he shot his horse for looking at him the wrong way. The Blinders' boss has always been a dangerous man, but he is aware that some people might not believe how ruthless he can be. It's his duty to remind them. The subtle threat somehow works because Grace, who is an undercover agent, becomes more cautious and less aggressive while pursuing Tommy. This way, she takes too long to get the information required. Time breeds affection as she finds herself falling in love with him.

6 "If I Should Die, Then You Will Die. Know That!"

Season 2, Episode 4

Tommy and Major Campbell discuss assassinating assassinating Field Marshal Henry Russell in Peaky Blinders

The deal between Tommy and The Crown includes plenty of favors. One of those involves Tommy assassinating Field Marshal Henry Russell. Tommy does not trust Major Campbell, so before he sets off for the mission, he assures him that if something were to happen to him, the retaliation would be swift. Tommy's poise is evident once again in this scene. He knows the risk of his mission, but that doesn't get him worried. His eyes are on the benefits. Having been a good boss all along, he trusts his people to avenge his death if it were to happen. Tommy also proves once again how he has mastered the art of making subtle threats.

5 "You Don't Parley When You're On The Back Foot."

Season 1, Episode 2

The Shelby brothers invade a London night club in Peaky Blinders

Birmingham Boys head Kimber is angry when he first hears that Tommy is fixing the races. Tommy makes the gangster warm up to him by offering help in fighting the Lee Family. Tommy later explains his strategy, saying he had to negotiate with Kimber from a strong position or else he'd have been humiliated. Negotiating from a strong position is a strategy that Tommy employs time and time again in the series. He always has some form of leverage, and this not only keeps him alive but also helps him achieve a lot in life. He uses it while dealing with Winston Churchill and also with all his major enemies.

4 "I'm Guessing You People All Decided That The Only Person Who Could Ever Kill Tommy Shelby, Is Tommy Shelby Himself."

Season 6, Episode 6

Peaky Blinders Season Six Finale Tommy Shelby On White Horse Watching Carvan Burn

The big final twist in Peaky Blinders' finale was the reveal that Tommy did not have Tuberculoma, that it was all a ploy concocted by Mosley to take Tommy out of the picture, knowing he would plan to kill himself. This line is so fantastic and is a fitting way to close out the show, with a big reason being how true it rings. Time and time again, Tommy proves himself to be better than his opponents despite their power and stature in society. He bests them to the point where they rely on him killing himself. It will be interesting to see if this quote rings true by the time the movie rolls around.

3 "If You Want To F***, I'll F***. But You'll Have To Cross The Floor Because I Refuse To F*** On Tory Benches."

Season 6, Episode 5

Tommy Shelby sits in the House Of Commons speaking with Diana in Peaky Blinders

Throughout its six seasons, there are some hilarious Peaky Blinders quotes, a lot of which come from Alfie Solomons. However, Tommy is known to make the occasional joke, even if it is buried under his somber demeanor, such as this hilarious look at his political beliefs. As well as being a funny dig at the Tory party and fascists whom Tommy is exhaustively fighting against, it is a fantastic showcase of Tommy taking back power from Diana who forced him to have sex with her in the previous episode. Here, he shows that nobody holds too much power over him with one of the best quotes from the final season.

2 "So F***ing Close. Oh, And There's A Woman. Yeah. A Woman I Love. And I Got Close. Nearly Got F***ing EVERYTHING!"

Season 2, Episode 6

Tommy Shelby shouts about nearly having everything after having his last cigarette before his planned death in Peaky Blinders

The end of season 2 brought about one of the tensest, most impressively acted, and iconic scenes of the show, as it looked as though Tommy Shelby's time was up as Major Campbell's goons kidnaped him. In a moment of honor, taken from wartime in France, Thomas was allowed the last cigarette, which he used to give an impassioned, frustrated roar about being so close to having everything. It is goosebump-inducing, doubly so when a double agent saves Tommy. It's in consideration for the best moment and quote from the entire show.

1 "I Have No Limitations."

Season 6, Episode 6

Tommy puts his gun away after shooting Michael in the face in Peaky Blinders

On a handful of occasions, Tommy is told that he does not know his own limitations, which in turn gets the people he loves killed. After shooting Michael in the face, Tommy finally admits to himself that he has no limitations. There are so many Thomas Shelby quotes that ooze confidence and are epic in how they will be remembered by fans. This is another in a catalog of those quotes, and it may well be the best to date. No matter the odds he faces in Peaky Blinders, Tommy seems to always come out on top, outsmarting his opponents and proving himself to have no ceiling, to have unlimited potential to do and achieve whatever he so desires. However, it is also an acknowledgment of the darkness inside him that makes him capable of anything.

  • peaky blinders poster
    Peaky Blinders
    Cast:
    Annabelle Wallis, Ian Peck, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Cillian Murphy, Ned Dennehy, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Sam Neill, Sophie Rundle, Tony Pitts, Joe Cole
    Genres:
    Crime, Drama, History, Thriller
    Rating:
    TV-MA
    Release Date:
    2013-09-12
    Seasons:
    6
    Writers:
    Steven Knight
    Streaming Service(s):
    Netflix
    Directors:
    Otto Bathurst, Tom Harper, Colm McCarthy, Tim Mielants, David Caffrey, Anthony Byrne
    Showrunner:
    Steven Knight
    Season List:
    Peaky Blinders - Season 1, Peaky Blinders - Season 2, Peaky Blinders - Season 3, Peaky Blinders - Season 4, Peaky Blinders - Season 5, Peaky Blinders - Season 6