Sucking teeth seems to be universally taught in trade schools. It seems to be used everywhere. Accompanied by head shake and phrases like “dear oh dear”, “all that will have to go”, “have to order that in special, if they still make it “, and (rough translation from Japanese) “oooh [teeth suck]. Naaah,I can’t do anything about that. More than my job’s worth. That fault’s outside, not inside. Only Tepco can touch that.”
(He did phone Tepco for me, and waited for the Tepco guy to arrive so that he could explain. Tepco guy then sucked his teeth, but also fixed it.)
That’s an example of the iconic line coming from a supporting character. Often works better that way. Other examples are “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli” and “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”
Quick question. Does your mechanic deliver any other sort of news?