The phrase "He got a little carried away" serves as a humorous understatement in Sophie Kinsella's "Can You Keep a Secret?" It highlights how people often downplay extreme behaviors or actions, making light of serious situations. This comparison to Hitler's aggression emphasizes the absurdity of minimizing his actions.

Through this line, Kinsella critiques the tendency to overlook significant issues by using exaggerated comparisons. It reflects on how language can shape perceptions, suggesting that some situations deserve more serious acknowledgment rather than being brushed off casually.