I wish I could

[Mike Hussey]

John: Two leads, 100 bucks.
Shelley: Now?
John: Now, yes. When?
Shelley: Oh, Christ. Sh*t, John!
John: I wish I could.

What does "I wish I could" mean in this context?

Source: Glengarry Glen Ross (a 1992 American drama film adapted by David Mamet from his 1984 Pulitzer Prize–winning play of the same name, and directed by James Foley)

 

[GoesStation]

That's not much context, but I think it means I'd sell you the two leads if it were possible. I'm sorry, but I can't.

 

[jutfrank]

I take it to mean I wish I could sh*t.

I think we need to see a clip.

 

[GoesStation]

I take it to mean I wish I could sh*t.

I think we need to see a clip.

That never occurred to me, maybe because my childhood wasn't blessed (or cursed) with an immersion in British scatalogical humor. Yuck.

 

[jutfrank]

my childhood wasn't blessed (or cursed) with an immersion in British scatalogical humor.

I feel for you. We're not all as lucky as I am.