"They all went into the bar business. Which was a mistake, because they began to sip at the merchandise and it set them back, set us all back. Well, them more than I"

In this quote from Frank McCourt, the narrator assesses a collective decision made by a group to get in the bar organization. The choice, which initially may have appeared promising, eventually ends up being a mistake. This decision's damaging effect is highlighted in the narrative, as McCourt observes how the appeal of drinking-- the "product" they are supposed to be selling-- ends up being a significant failure for the group.

The expression "sip at the product" captures a gradual yet harmful behavior. It suggests that what started as possibly an innocent extravagance developed into a troublesome routine that interfered with their company operations and individual lives. The act of drinking the product they were suggested to sell suggests a lack of discipline or foresight. It reflects how the instant temptation overshadowed the long-lasting goal of running an effective business, eventually setting them back in their ventures.

McCourt's usage of "set them back, set us all back" recommends a ripple effect. While the direct effect of their actions falls more heavily on the individuals themselves, there is likewise a suggested common problem, affecting those linked to or reliant on the business's success. This expression represents the interconnectedness of individual choices and collective results. The decision to indulge did not exist in isolation however had more comprehensive ramifications.

The last part of the quote, "Well, them more than I", indicates a difference in obligation or effect on the narrator compared to the rest. It recommends that while McCourt acknowledges being impacted, possibly through social or economic ties, he distances himself from the more serious effects faced by the others. This separation suggests either a higher awareness, control, or merely the fortune of not becoming as associated with the consuming habits.

Overall, McCourt's reflection delivers a poignant message about the pitfalls of accepting short-term temptations at the expense of long-lasting ambitions, highlighting the need for vigilance and self-control in ventures that naturally bring threats of extravagance.