OIL of angels¹

Insights

Bribery and Corruption

The proverb is a direct metaphor for bribery and corruption. 'Oiling' a situation or a person's palm with 'angels' (gold coins) signifies the use of money to illicitly influence decisions, gain favor, or pervert justice.

The Power of Money

On a broader level, it symbolizes the power of wealth to solve problems and eliminate obstacles. Just as oil reduces friction, money can 'wash off stripes' (erase punishments) or secure advantages, suggesting that wealth can override merit or morality.

Cynicism about Human Nature

The phrase implies a cynical view of human nature, suggesting that loyalty, integrity, and justice are commodities that can be bought. The ease with which 'oil' works suggests that people are inherently susceptible to financial persuasion.

Ironic Corruption

The proverb's power lies in its deep historical and religious irony. The 'angel' was an English gold coin depicting the archangel Michael, a symbol of righteousness, yet it was used as 'oil' for bribery. This cynical twist reveals a societal acknowledgment that even symbols of virtue can be co-opted for corrupt purposes, highlighting a deep-seated skepticism about human integrity.

Renaissance Slang and Social Commentary

As a piece of Renaissance-era slang, 'oil of angels' captures the period's fascination with wit and wordplay. It functions as a coded, almost conspiratorial phrase, understood by those familiar with the underbelly of social transactions. Its use in popular plays by authors like Greene and Massinger indicates it was part of the common lexicon, reflecting the prevalence of bribery in the social and political landscape.

Psychology of Financial Influence

The metaphor of 'oil' is psychologically potent, suggesting a substance that makes mechanisms run smoothly and silently. It implies that money can overcome friction in human relationships, bypass justice ('wash off stripes'), and facilitate otherwise difficult or impossible actions. This reflects a cynical but pragmatic understanding of money's power to manipulate systems and people.

Rhetorical Devices

Metaphor

The entire phrase is a powerful metaphor where 'oil' represents the smoothing, lubricating effect of a bribe, and 'angels' (gold coins) are the financial means.

Irony

A sharp irony exists in using a coin named after a celestial, holy being—the 'angel'—as the instrument for the worldly and corrupt act of bribery.

Metonymy

The term 'angel' is a form of metonymy, where the name of the image on the coin stands in for the coin itself and, by extension, for money or wealth in general.

Cant/Slang

The phrase functions as a piece of historical cant or slang, giving it an informal, witty, and somewhat clandestine quality that points to its use in describing illicit activities.