Meaning & Analysis
A direct reference to a type of cloth from the north of England that was known for shrinking significantly when it was washed or exposed to water, revealing its poor quality.
Insights
Cowardice Under Pressure
The proverb is a metaphor for cowardice or a loss of courage. A person who 'shrinks in the wetting' is one who appears bold or capable initially but loses their nerve and retreats when faced with actual adversity or danger.
Diminished Worth on Scrutiny
It symbolizes the loss of substance or value when tested. Like the cloth, a person, an argument, or a plan might seem impressive at first but is revealed to be flimsy and insubstantial when put under scrutiny.
Unreliability and Hidden Flaws
The saying implies unreliability and hidden flaws. It suggests that a person or thing's true, deficient nature is concealed until a moment of trial exposes it, warning against taking things at face value.
Economic and Industrial History
The proverb is rooted in the early modern English textile industry, where 'Northern cloth' (often from Yorkshire) had a reputation for not being properly pre-shrunk ('fulled'), making it a risky purchase. This economic reality provides a concrete basis for the metaphor, grounding it in everyday commerce and regional stereotypes.
Regional Stereotyping
This saying reflects a common regional prejudice, likely from the perspective of southern England, particularly London. The cross-referenced proverb, 'Three ills... come from the North, a cold wind, a shrinking cloth, and a dissembling man', explicitly links the faulty product with a negative view of northern character, revealing cultural biases of the period.
Psychological Test of Mettle
The proverb serves as a powerful psychological metaphor for a 'test of character'. The 'wetting' represents any form of adversity, pressure, or scrutiny, while the 'shrinking' symbolizes the revelation of a person's hidden weakness, lack of resolve, or cowardice when faced with a true challenge.
Rhetorical Devices
Simile
The proverb is structured as a simile, using 'Like' to draw a direct and vivid comparison between a well-known material flaw and a human failing, making the abstract concept of cowardice tangible.
Material Symbolism
The physical properties of the cloth and the act of wetting serve as potent symbols. 'Cloth' represents a person's substance or character, and 'wetting' symbolizes adversity, creating a powerful and easily understood allegory.
Conciseness
The phrase encapsulates a complex idea in a very brief and memorable statement, relying on a shared cultural and economic reference point for its impact.
Transcription
Quotations
He shall see [the witches] shrinke faster than Northren cloath, and outstrip time in dastardly flight.
Charing-crosse was olde, and olde thinges must shrinke as well as new Northern cloth.
Doe my Northerne cloth shrinke i' the wetting? ha?
Their wits that were spent and like Northern Cloth shrunke in the wetting, are speedily recouered.
Is she Northern (dee hear) will she not shrink i' the wetting?
Re-call your wonted worth, new frights forgetting; 'Tis York-shire Cloath, you know, that shrinks i' th' wetting!
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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