"My voice went recently, never happened before, off like a tap. I had to sit in silence for nine days, chalkboard around my neck. Like an old-school mime. Like a kid in the naughty corner. Like a Victorian mute"

In this quote, Adele is describing a time when she lost her voice suddenly. She compares it to a tap turning off, implying that it happened unexpectedly and without warning. She then explains that she had to stay quiet for 9 days, using a chalkboard around her neck like a traditional mime. This contrast suggests that she felt caught and unable to communicate, just like a mime who counts on gestures and facial expressions to convey their message. She likewise compares herself to a child being punished in the "naughty corner" and a Victorian mute, highlighting the disappointment and vulnerability she felt during this time. Overall, this quote conveys the aggravation and struggle of losing one's voice, particularly for somebody whose career relies heavily on their capability to sing.