Working like a charm
Yasmin's parents had always dreamed of marrying off their daughter to a well-off family. Yasmin knows she has chosen wisely because Joe comes from a wealthy family, and he lives with his mother in a posh residence. Yasmin knows that when her parents hear that Joe lives with his mother, they will be excited, and it will work like a charm for her. The narrator says, "But when she, finally, after several months and many entreaties from Joe, took him to Tatton Hill to meet Baba and Ma, the fact that he lived at home with his mother seemed to work like a charm." Joe's mother is a wealthy and famous person in the neighborhood. Therefore, when Yasmin's parents meet Joe, they will realize their daughter knows how to hit the jackpot.
Sating like a glass of water on a hot day
The Ghorami family is conservative, expecting similar conditions in Harriet's home. However, after getting into Primrose Hill, Yasmin's parents are shocked that Harriet is casual and speaks openly about sex. Yasmin is scared that her parents will react coldly. She goes out, and she is comforted by Joe. The author writes, "The cool air in her nostrils was sating, like a glass of water on a hot day." The simile shows the extent Yasmin is disturbed, but Joe tells her not to worry about what her mother says because that is her nature.
Hanging around like a cat
English manners cloak Harriet's feelings about Shaokat and Anisah. According to Ma, middle-class parents should not meddle in their children's marriages. Ma tried ignoring Harriet's sentiments, but they hung around like a cat. The narrator says, "She tried to put it out of her mind, but it hung around like next door's cat whining and mewling on the windowsill." Harriet concentrated on topics about sex and advised Yasmin on what to do during sex. However, Yasmin is not bothered by the talk, but she knows that Ma is trying to put up with the conversation.
