Meaning
What does Just When I Thought I Was Out mean?
Just when I though I was out refers to a memorable quote from The Godfather: Part III, uttered by Don Michael Corleone.
Online, the quote has been used on reaction image macros to reflect on one’s failed attempt at quitting something.
Origin
What's the origin of Just When I Thought I Was Out?
The Godfather: Part III premiered in the United States on December 20th, 1990.
In one of the scenes, Don Michael Corleone (portrayed by Al Pacino) is holding a monologue about attempting to quit, when he says “Just when I though I was out… they pull me back in.”
Spread & Usage
How did Just When I Thought I Was Out spread?
The quote would remain quoted and referenced in popular culture, with one of the most notable cases originating from Season 1 Episode 2 of The Sopranos, first aired under the title 46 Long.
In one of the scenes of the episode, Silvio Dante (played by Steven Van Zandt) is making his impression of the Al Pacino quote.
Throughout the 2000’s, both contexts of the phrase would be referenced, spawning reaction GIFs and image macro memes on various sites, like Facebook, me.me and 9GAG.