The phrase "Unseen in the background, Fate was quietly slipping lead into the boxing-glove" from P.G. Wodehouse's "Very Good, Jeeves!" suggests that unseen forces are at play, subtly influencing events without anyone's awareness. It evokes the idea that outcomes can be determined by factors beyond a person's control, setting the stage for unexpected twists and turns in life. The imagery of a boxing-glove filled with lead symbolizes hidden dangers that can catch individuals off guard.

This concept resonates throughout the humorous narrative, illustrating how characters navigate challenges that appear straightforward but are often complicated by unexpected complications. Wodehouse's clever use of irony highlights the unpredictability of fate, reminding readers that not everything is as it seems, and sometimes the most significant influences are those lurking just out of sight.