Meaning & Analysis
A person is walking in an unsteady, zigzagging line, as if intoxicated. The path of their feet resembles the wavy, indented edge of a historical indenture contract.
Insights
Unsteadiness and Intoxication
The proverb is a direct metaphor for drunkenness, where the erratic physical path symbolizes a state of mental and physical incapacitation.
Indirectness and Deception
Figuratively, the phrase can describe any action or plan that is indirect, convoluted, or unreliable, deviating from a straightforward or honest course.
Loss of Control
The act of 'making indentures' with the legs represents a complete loss of self-control, where the body's movements are chaotic and unintentional rather than deliberate and directed.
Historical Legal Symbolism
The proverb draws its wit from the historical practice of creating legal 'indentures'—contracts written in duplicate on a single sheet, then cut apart with a wavy or serrated line for authentication. The phrase ironically applies this term of legal precision to the imprecise, staggering walk of a drunk person, creating a vivid and humorous image.
Cultural Wit and Periphrasis
This expression is a prime example of a 'proverbial periphrasis,' a witty, roundabout way of describing a common state (drunkenness) without naming it directly. This reflects a cultural appreciation for clever, figurative language and humor in observing human behavior.
Psychology of Humor
The proverb highlights the comical loss of physical control associated with intoxication. By using the formal term 'indentures,' it creates a humorous juxtaposition between a high-status concept and a low-status behavior, softening social critique with cleverness.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The proverb is built on a central metaphor comparing a staggering walk to the serrated edge of an indenture document.
Irony
A powerful irony exists in using 'indenture,' a symbol of legal precision and agreement, to describe the chaotic, uncontrolled movements of a drunk person.
Visual Imagery
The phrase creates a strong visual image of a person staggering from side to side, effectively 'drawing' a wavy line with their feet.
Periphrasis (Euphemism)
As noted in the historical quotations, the phrase functions as a periphrasis—a witty, indirect expression used to avoid saying 'he is drunk' directly.
Transcription
Quotations
Before he with his feete do seeme indentures for to make.
To reele, stagger, or make indentures, in going.
If he bee drunken you must say hee staggers, to avoid aequivocation: for when he is sober hee makes Indentures.
*Proverbiall Periphrases of one drunk.
Being so drunk that he cutteth Indentures.
Explanation
[He follows a zigzag course, as if drunk.]
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.