Meaning & Analysis
A mouse that has only a single escape route or hiding place can be easily trapped or captured by a predator who simply needs to watch that one exit.
Insights
Vulnerability in Singular Dependence
The proverb serves as a metaphor for the dangers of over-reliance on a single plan, resource, or safeguard. Lacking alternative options or backup strategies leaves an individual or entity exposed and vulnerable to a single point of failure.
The Wisdom of Contingency Planning
It underscores the strategic importance of creating multiple options and contingency plans. True security and resilience are achieved not by perfecting one solution, but by having several alternatives to fall back on when circumstances change unexpectedly.
Risks of Limited Resources
The 'mouse' can symbolize anyone in a subordinate or precarious position, while the 'hole' represents a source of safety or support. The proverb warns that depending on a single protector, employer, or skill set is inherently risky and can lead to a swift downfall.
Classical Roots and Survival Wisdom
Originating from classical wisdom, as noted by Erasmus, the proverb reflects a timeless, universal principle of survival. It serves as a practical warning against complacency, urging foresight and the creation of alternative options to ensure security and resilience in a precarious world.
Modern Strategic Relevance
The proverb resonates with the modern strategic concept of avoiding single points of failure. In contemporary life, it applies to diversifying financial investments, cultivating multiple professional skills, or ensuring resilient supply chains, illustrating its enduring relevance beyond its agrarian origins.
Psychology of Dependency
Psychologically, the proverb addresses the anxiety associated with dependency and lack of agency. Having only 'one hole' creates a state of heightened vulnerability, whereas multiple options foster a sense of security, control, and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Cross-Cultural Parallelism
The concept is mirrored in numerous other cultural expressions, most notably 'Don’t put all your eggs in one basket' and the cross-referenced 'It is good to have two strings to one’s bow', demonstrating a cross-cultural consensus on the value of diversification and contingency planning.
Rhetorical Devices
Animal Allegory
The proverb uses the simple, relatable image of a mouse and its hole as an allegory for complex human situations involving risk, strategy, and survival. This makes the advice intuitive and memorable.
Cause-and-Effect Structure
The structure establishes a clear and direct causal link between the condition (having 'but one hole') and the inevitable consequence ('is quickly taken'), making the warning feel direct, logical, and urgent.
Didactic Warning
The proverb functions as a didactic warning, offering prudential advice in a concise and universally understandable format. Its primary purpose is to teach a lesson about foresight and preparation.
Transcription
Quotations
Mus non uni fidit antro.
That mouse is in an ill case that hath but one hole to lurke in.
(but a hole).
She is but ane sarie mous quho hes but on holl.
(is soon caught; the man that hath but one helpe’s soone orethrowne).
The Mouse is soone taken that hath but one Going-in, Plainesse, or Weakenes compared so.
It goes hard (Daughter) with that Mouse, that hath but one hold to trust to.
(easily taken).
Shee is a sairie mouse that has but ane hole.
(quickly caught).
Woe be to that mouse that hath but one hole to shelter it self in.
As in 1641 Ferg.
(easily taken).
(easily taken).
*'Tis good having two strings to ones bow.
A sorry Mouse, that has but one Hole.
*A poor Creature that has but one Shift.
Cross References
- See Sk., no. 270
- St., no. 600.
- S937 It is good to have two strings to one's bow.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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