As straight (tall) as a CEDAR

Meaning & Analysis

The proverb is a simile describing someone or something as being physically very straight, tall, and erect, like the trunk of a cedar tree.

Insights

Moral Integrity

The primary metaphorical meaning equates physical straightness with moral rectitude. 'Straight' is used to signify honesty, integrity, and an unbending, incorruptible character.

Nobility and Stature

Beyond morality, the simile can denote nobility, dignity, and high social or personal stature. The cedar's majestic appearance lends an air of grandeur and importance to the subject.

Physical Strength and Vigor

The comparison can also emphasize physical strength, health, and vitality. A straight, tall posture is a sign of robustness and vigor, suggesting a person in their prime.

Biblical and Historical Symbolism

The cedar tree, particularly the Cedar of Lebanon, is a powerful symbol in the Bible and ancient texts, representing strength, permanence, and royalty. This historical and religious context elevates the comparison, infusing it with connotations of divine favor and enduring greatness.

Literary Reinforcement

Shakespeare's use of 'upright as the cedar' connects the physical quality of straightness directly to moral integrity. This literary application reinforces the proverb's use as a shorthand for describing a character of unimpeachable virtue and strong principles.

Psychological Impact

Psychologically, the image of a tall, unbending tree evokes a sense of stability, reliability, and resilience. Comparing a person to a cedar suggests they are a steadfast and dependable figure, resistant to corruption or pressure.

Rhetorical Devices

Simile

The proverb is a direct simile, using 'as' to create a vivid comparison between a person's posture or character and the well-known straightness of a cedar tree.

Symbolism

The cedar tree serves as a potent symbol for strength, longevity, and righteousness, layering the simple comparison with deeper cultural and historical meaning.

Hyperbole

The comparison can function as a hyperbole, exaggerating a person's straightness or moral uprightness to the perfect, natural standard of a cedar for emphatic effect.

integritystrengthnobilitystaturehonestysymbolism

Analyzed with gemini-2.5-pro on July 21, 2025

Transcription

Quotations

Straighter then Cedar.

— 1585, MUNDAY, Fidele and Fort., I ii, s. B4

Tall and high, like a cedar.

— 1611, CHAPMAN, May Day, I i 123

Shakespeare Citations

As upright as the cedar.

— LLL, IV.iii

Related Proverbs

R100 To be so lean that one's RIBS may be counted 93.5%M1209 He scorns the MOTION 92.8%S124 It will prove (breed) a SCAB in the end 92.6%C718 At COURT everyone for himself 91.8%C130 As nimble as (He signifies no more than) a blind CAT in a barn 91.7%W931 Green WOUNDS will not be touched 91.6%C897 To lay down the CUDGELS 91.3%G135 As clear (bright) as GLASS 90.8%S395 Ye lean to the wrong SHORE 90.8%R31 I smell a RAT 90.7%M369 A scrupulous MAN stumbles and staggers among quicksands and flint stones 90.7%C60 Cast your CAP at the moon 90.7%M218 A MAN assaulted (surprised) is half taken 90.7%H278 As many HEADS as Hydra 90.7%F728 Afraid of your FRIENDS when none is near 90.6%T111 A THIEF (knave) and a whore are never far asunder 90.5%B677 It is as BROAD as it is long 90.5%M1225 As sure as a MOUSE tied with a thread 90.4%I78 As great as INKLE-WEAVERS¹ (beggars) 90.4%C25 CAMBRIDGE requires all to be equal 90.4%

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