Meaning & Analysis
The proverb literally means to be aware of the current time of day by reading a clock.
Insights
Situational Awareness
The phrase metaphorically signifies a state of being well-informed and understanding the true nature of a situation. It implies a practical, worldly wisdom that allows one to see 'how matters stand' beyond superficial appearances.
Discerning Hidden Truths
It suggests having shrewd insight into hidden realities or secret motives. As hinted in early quotations, this can include discerning deception or understanding the unspoken dynamics in a relationship or transaction.
Practical Savvy
The expression conveys a sense of being astute, experienced, and not easily deceived. It is the wisdom of someone who is 'in the know' and cannot be fooled by appearances or trickery.
Historical Knowledge as Power
The proverb's meaning is enriched by the historical context of the 16th century, when telling time was not a universal skill. To 'know what it is o'clock' implied having access to specific, valuable knowledge, marking one as informed and astute in an era before ubiquitous timekeeping.
Metaphorical Evolution
This phrase captures the transition from a literal, technical skill (reading a clock) to a metaphor for social and situational intelligence. The clock, an instrument of order and precision, becomes a symbol for accurately assessing complex, often hidden, human affairs.
Psychology of Awareness
Psychologically, the proverb speaks to the fundamental human desire for orientation and control. To be ignorant of 'what o'clock it is' is to be metaphorically lost and vulnerable, while knowing it implies a state of alertness and readiness to act appropriately.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The entire phrase is a metaphor, where the concrete act of telling time is used to represent the abstract concept of situational understanding and insight.
Idiom
The expression functions as an idiom, as its figurative meaning—to be aware of the true state of affairs—is not directly deducible from its literal words.
Understatement
The simple, everyday phrase 'to know what it is o'clock' is a mild, understated way of expressing the more complex and vital skill of being perceptive and worldly-wise.
Transcription
Quotations
Your gorge not endewed Without a capon stewed, or a stewed cocke, To knowe What ys a clocke vnder her swifled smocke, And her wanton wodicocke.
And lookt in the bag, what it was a clocke.
If he cast up his nose against the sunne with open chapps, by his teeth may be discerned what is a clock perhapps.
Cross References
- See St., no. 1313.
- T90a He can tell ten (the fingers in his hand).
Explanation
[To know how matters stand, be aware of what is going on.]
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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