Francis Urquhart is a fictional character created by Michael Dobbs. He appeared in a trilogy of novels: House of Cards in 1989, To Play the King in 1992 and The Final Cut in 1995. He was portrayed in television versions of House of Cards, To Play the King, and The Final Cut by Ian Richardson.

In the series Urquhart addressed the audience in asides, often quoting Shakespeare, or giving a knowing look to the camera. He would use the catchphrase, 'You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment', or a variation thereon, as a deniable way of agreeing with people. The term has often been used in the real life Westminster, and in the media, since the BBC airing of House of Cards in 1990, and its sequels. The first series, which opens with the battle within the Conservative Party to succeed Margaret Thatcher as its leader and as Prime Minister, gained instant popularity when she actually did fall from power during its run.