Meaning & Analysis
The proverb refers to passing something (such as a blow, insult, or drink) around a group, with the implication that, after circulating through others, it will ultimately return to one’s own father—or metaphorically, to oneself or one’s origin.
Insights
Inevitability of Return
Conveys the idea that actions—especially harmful or mischievous ones—circulate and eventually come back to their source, much like the modern sense of 'what goes around comes around.'
Indirect Retribution
Highlights the tendency for people to deflect responsibility or repercussions by passing them on, yet suggesting that such consequences ultimately return home or to those close to us.
Cycles of Action
Suggests that behaviors (especially negative ones) create cycles within groups or societies, with eventual consequences for all, including the initiator or their kin.
Historical Usage
The proverb appears in contexts of toasts, jesting, or passing on blows and was sometimes used as a satirical reference to King James, alluding to the return of something (like a drink or a slight) to its originator or to a prominent figure.
Social Commentary
The phrase exposes the indirectness of human conflict and the ways people displace responsibility, yet acknowledges a kind of social justice or inevitability—wrongs passed along the chain return to the circle's center.
Psychological Dynamics
Reveals how individuals may attempt to avoid direct confrontation or consequence by involving others, but underscores the unconscious expectation that cycles eventually close, often at one's own expense.
Universal Moral
Connects to widespread proverbial wisdom—such as 'he who digs a pit for others falls into it himself'—about the tendency for actions, good or ill, to return to the doer or their close kin.
Rhetorical Devices
Circular Imagery
The phrase 'box it about' evokes the image of something circulating in a group, reinforcing the inevitability of return.
Irony
There is a subtle irony in initiating an action with the expectation that its consequence will ultimately fall upon oneself or one’s own circle.
Colloquialism
The informal, conversational tone ('box it about') gives the proverb a playful or humorous edge, suitable for social settings or satire.
Transcription
Quotations
One health was, Box it about, it will come to my father, meaning king James.
*A young Fellow was sitting in Company with his Father, who, upon some Provocation, gave him a Blow; who immediately gave his left Hand Man as much, and bad him give it about. Spoken when we would have some ill Turn done to some Body, but not immediately by our self.
Methinks you are very witty upon one another: come, box it about; 'twill come to my father at last.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.