Meaning & Analysis
Based on the physical principle of using a second wedge to dislodge a first one that is stuck, for example, in a log of wood or block of stone.
Insights
Displacement of Power
One force, power, or influence can be supplanted by another of the same kind. This is often used in the context of political or social rivalry, where one faction or leader is strategically replaced by another.
Cure by Substitution
A new problem, passion, or preoccupation can replace an old one. A new love can cure a broken heart, or a new worry can make a previous one seem insignificant, illustrating a way of overcoming challenges through substitution.
Gateway to Greater Problems
A minor transgression or problem can create an opening for a much larger and more destructive one to take hold, suggesting a pattern of negative escalation.
Strategic Problem-Solving
It can describe a method of solving a stubborn problem by applying a similar but more effective tool or approach, implying that the first attempt may pave the way for the successful second.
Grounding in Physical Reality
The proverb's power lies in its origin in the tangible world of manual labor—woodcutting or stonemasonry. This grounding in physical reality gives its metaphorical applications a sense of irrefutable, mechanical logic, whether applied to politics, love, or morality.
A Maxim of Political Strategy
As early as 1602, the proverb was used as a maxim for ruthless political strategy, as seen in Marston's 'Antonio's Revenge'. It encapsulates a Machiavellian worldview where people are treated as instrumental tools to displace rivals, reflecting a cynical understanding of power dynamics.
Psychological Displacement
The proverb captures the psychological mechanism of displacement, where an existing emotional state (love, grief, obsession) is pushed out by a new, more powerful one. This is highlighted by parallel proverbs like 'One love drives out another', revealing a timeless insight into human emotional regulation.
Moral Ambivalence
The proverb is morally ambivalent. It can signify a positive change (a new virtue replacing a vice), a neutral force (one tool replacing another), or a negative escalation, as in the quote 'little sins make way for greater'. Its meaning is defined entirely by the nature of the 'wedges' involved.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The 'wedge' serves as a powerful metaphor for any force—be it an idea, a person, an emotion, or a sin—that can exert pressure and displace another.
Parallelism
The balanced structure 'One X drives out another' creates a memorable and rhythmic parallel, reinforcing the idea of equivalence and substitution.
Active Verb Choice
The verb 'drives' is forceful and active, lending the proverb a sense of dynamic, irresistible action and inevitability.
Transcription
Quotations
Christ .. made them give answer against themselves; and as it were with one wedge drived out another.
Steele ouercummeth steele, in stryking one wedge driueth out another.
Why, thus should statesmen do .. Use men like wedges, one strike out another.
A little wedge makes way for a greater and so do little sins make way for greater.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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