Meaning & Analysis
To act as a 'cole-prophet' is to wrongly or presumptuously foretell the outcome of an event or errand before it has even been attempted, essentially claiming to know the answer in advance.
Insights
Presumptuous Judgment
The proverb metaphorically describes the act of making any baseless or premature judgment. It warns against the arrogance of assuming an outcome without evidence, whether in business, relationships, or personal endeavors.
Cynical Defeatism
It represents a cynical or defeatist mindset that anticipates failure before making an effort. The 'cole-prophet' uses their negative prediction as a self-fulfilling prophecy or an excuse for not trying.
False Expertise
The phrase symbolizes false expertise or charlatanism. The individual pretends to have special insight or knowledge but is merely guessing, deceiving others with a performance of wisdom.
Historical and Linguistic Context
The term 'cole' is likely an archaic word for 'false' or 'deceitful', creating the image of a fraudulent seer. The proverb reflects a historical distrust of baseless fortune-telling, particularly within a master-servant dynamic where such predictions could be seen as insubordination or an excuse for laziness.
Psychological Defense
The act of predicting an outcome before an action is taken serves as a psychological defense mechanism. It allows the 'prophet' to pre-rationalize failure, manage expectations, and absolve themselves of responsibility, revealing a fear of inadequacy or a cynical worldview.
Social Subversion
The proverb speaks to social hierarchies. By telling a master the outcome of an errand in advance, a servant subtly challenges the task's validity and the master's authority, making it a form of passive resistance or insolence.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The entire phrase functions as a metaphor for a person who engages in baseless and often cynical predictions.
Archaic Compound
'Cole-prophet' is an archaic compound word whose meaning is now obscure without historical context, giving the expression a distinctive, antiquated flavor.
Alliteration and Pun
A 1562 quotation by Heywood uses alliteration and a pun ('Coleprophet and cole poyson') to link the false prophecy directly with corruption and harm, enhancing its negative connotation.
Transcription
Quotations
Ye plaie coleprophet (quoth I) who takth in hande To know his answere before he doo his errande.
Thy prophesy poysonIy to the pricke goth: Coleprophet and cole poyson thou art both.
Cole Prophet is he, that when his Maister sendeth him on his errand, he wyl tel his answer therof to his Maister as he depart from hym.
I trust to see such cold prophets fired, Before your false and pratling prophecies, be brought about.
You may gentleman accompte me for a colde Prophet, thus hastily to deuine of your disposition.
[She] had a cold prophesy verified on him.
To plaie the cold prophet, as to recount it good or bad lucke, when salt or wine falleth on the table.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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