Supermodel56
SILVER ELITE
If, as you claim, Wellington never said those words, then you have no basis for describing the "context" in which he used them.
If he did say those words, then my attribution of his meaning (that honorable play has importance) is at least as valid as your attribution of his meaning (that Etonians played with "grit.").
Incorrect logic. Just because he didn't actually say those words, and even if the saying was false, it does not mean the widely distributed phrase had no common meaning nor context.
In your case - you’re 0 for 3.
1) Wellington never actually said it.
2) The generally accepted meaning doesn't have anything to do with playing with honor.
3) The statement was a load of crap either way you interpret it - while they did have victories, the alumni of Eton we’re equally known for numerous disasters because they lacked intelligence and couldn't see the forest beyond the trees - doing things the same way they always had.