The Little Man

A large notice in a shop window in Lagos announced a big sale, with sweeping reductions, starting at 9 a.m. An enormous queue had started to form by 7.30am.

Just before the shop was due to open, an inconspicuous little man walked to the head of the queue. Angry women elbowed and pushed him until he was right at the back of the line. Undaunted, the little man went to the head of the queue again. Once more, he was shoved unceremoniously to the back, this time with a few smacks on the face and a couple of thumps from umbrellas wielded by angry women.

The little man walked to one side of the queue and said, "If that's your attitude, I won't open the shop at all today!"

VOCABULARY

sweeping  having an important effect on a large part of sth: sweeping reforms, changes 
Security forces were given sweeping powers to search homes.

inconspicuous not attracting attention; not easy to notice
an inconspicuous little restaurant
She stood by the wall, trying to look inconspicuous.

undaunted not afraid of continuing to try to do something in spite of difficulties or danger
SYN undeterred
Undaunted by the enormity of the task, they began rebuilding the village.

shove /ʃʌv/  to push someone or something in a rough or careless way, using your hands or shoulders
He shoved her towards the car.
Everyone was pushing and shoving to see the prince.

smack to hit someone, especially a child, with your open hand in order to punish them
the debate about whether parents should smack their children

thump /θʌmp/  (informal) to hit someone very hard with your hand closed
If you don’t shut up, I’m going to thump you!
She thumped the table with her fist.

wield /wiːld/ to hold a weapon or tool that you are going to use
The man moved toward them, wielding a stick.