Meaning & Analysis
Every promise is either fulfilled or not; there are only two possible outcomes for any promise made.
Insights
Banal Certainty
The proverb exposes the truism that every promise must end in either fulfillment or failure, often with a tone of irony or resignation. It can be used to trivialize promises or to mock those who rely on them.
Limits of Commitment
It highlights the binary nature of commitment: there is no middle ground between keeping and breaking one’s word, subtly questioning the seriousness or reliability of promises.
Moral Ambiguity
Sometimes, the proverb carries a sly or evasive undertone, especially when used by those unwilling to commit, suggesting that promises are fundamentally unreliable or not to be taken too seriously.
Irony and Social Use
Historically, the saying was often used as a jest or droll remark, particularly by people who broke promises, deflecting blame with humor or fatalism. Its ironic application reveals a skeptical, even cynical, attitude toward human reliability.
Commentary on Human Nature
The proverb reflects on the unpredictability and fallibility of human intention—reminding us that lofty words can easily result in disappointment, and that words alone do not guarantee action.
Rhetorical Device
Its logical obviousness lends itself to rhetorical use, deflating expectations or exposing the emptiness of repeated assurances.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The phrase’s effect lies in its clear binary opposition: 'broken' versus 'kept,' creating a crisp, memorable contrast.
Tautology
The proverb is almost tautological—true by definition—underscoring its droll or mocking undertone.
Irony
Frequently used with ironic intent, the proverb undercuts the seriousness of promises with its deadpan obviousness.
Transcription
Quotations
There was never promisse made, but it was broken or kept.
(kept or broken).
(Ther's never a promise made, but its either).
This is a slam or droll, used by them that break their word.
All Promises are either broken or kept . . Here's a Reproof to all Religious Cheats and Impostors, that Promise more then they are able to Perform.
Why, madam, you know promises are either broken or kept.
Annotations
- This is a slam or droll, used by them that break their word.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.