Meaning & Analysis
To play a game or conduct a transaction strictly according to the rules, without cheating or taking unfair advantage. It means to act in a fair, honest, and straightforward manner.
Insights
Ethical Conduct and Integrity
The proverb is a metaphor for upholding ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of life, not just in games. It signifies a commitment to honesty and moral principles in business, relationships, and personal affairs.
Transparency and Openness
'Playing upon the square' implies transparency and openness in one's dealings. It suggests that there are no hidden motives, secret advantages, or deceptive tactics involved; all actions are clear and visible.
Adherence to Rules and Agreements
The phrase symbolizes adherence to a shared set of rules, laws, or social norms. It represents the principle of respecting established boundaries and agreements to ensure fairness for all parties involved.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
It serves as a measure of character, indicating that a person is reliable, trustworthy, and honorable. To act 'upon the square' is to prove oneself as someone who can be trusted to behave fairly.
Symbolism of the Square
The square, as a geometric form with equal sides and right angles, has long symbolized stability, order, and fairness. This symbolism, possibly influenced by crafts like masonry where the square is a tool for precision and truth, provides a powerful visual and conceptual foundation for the proverb's meaning of honesty and integrity.
Cultural Context of Fair Play
Emerging in the 17th century, the phrase reflects a cultural preoccupation with honor, rules, and fair play in social interactions, from gambling to romance. It captures the essence of a social contract where trust and transparency are paramount for functional relationships and a stable society.
Psychological Framework of Trust
The proverb speaks to the psychological need for predictability and justice. It establishes a clear binary between honorable conduct ('on the square') and deceit ('rooking'), reinforcing a moral framework that rewards trustworthiness and condemns cheating.
Rhetorical Devices
Symbolism
The 'square' is a potent symbol representing fairness, equality, and defined, unambiguous rules. This transforms a simple shape into a powerful moral concept.
Metaphor
The verb 'to play' is used metaphorically to represent any form of social or business interaction, extending the proverb's application from literal games to the entirety of human conduct.
Idiom
The entire phrase operates as a cohesive idiom, where the meaning—to be honest—is established through cultural convention rather than the literal definition of the words.
Transcription
Quotations
To play fair, and upon the square, to deal fairly, and honestly with one.
Your Rooks play on the square, rather then not play at all.
You women always rook in love, you'll never play upon the square with us.
If you'll do any thing upon the square, say but the word.
They us'd Seconds, who were to see that all was upon the Square.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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