Meaning & Analysis
A person is physically restraining a live wolf by holding its ears, a position that is extremely dangerous and difficult to maintain. Letting go would likely result in being attacked, but continuing to hold on is exhausting and fraught with peril.
Insights
The Unsolvable Dilemma
The proverb describes being in an intractable dilemma or a 'no-win' situation, where any course of action—whether proceeding or retreating—is fraught with equal danger.
The Burden of Precarious Control
It symbolizes having precarious control over a dangerous person, problem, or situation. The control is temporary and requires constant effort, and a single lapse will lead to disaster.
Consequences of a Rash Action
The proverb illustrates the dangerous consequences of a rash or foolish action. One has 'grabbed the wolf' through a poor decision and is now stuck in a perilous situation from which there is no easy escape.
Historical Symbolism
The wolf, a potent symbol of primal danger and rapaciousness in European folklore, makes this proverb's imagery instantly effective. By holding the wolf's ears, a person has neutralized its primary weapon—its bite—but only precariously and temporarily, creating a powerful metaphor for managing a threat that cannot be safely released or fully subdued.
Classical and Literary Resonance
Originating from classical antiquity and cited by Erasmus, the proverb has deep roots in Western thought. Its use by authors like Marlowe and Quarles to describe political and military dilemmas—such as dealing with a treacherous ally or a powerful captive—demonstrates its long-standing application to situations of high-stakes strategic entanglement.
Psychological Insight
The proverb masterfully captures the psychological state of being trapped in a high-anxiety dilemma. It illustrates the paralysis that can occur when faced with two equally perilous choices, reflecting a cognitive trap where maintaining a stressful and dangerous status quo feels safer than risking the unknown consequences of letting go.
Rhetorical Devices
Vivid Imagery
The powerful and visceral image of a person physically struggling with a wolf creates an immediate and unforgettable sense of tension, danger, and desperation.
Metaphor
The entire scenario serves as a potent metaphor for any situation that is equally hazardous to continue or to abandon, effectively translating a complex dilemma into a simple, physical struggle.
Implied Narrative
The proverb implies a dramatic backstory and an uncertain future, creating a narrative tension that makes the saying more compelling and memorable. One is forced to ask: how did he get there, and how will he escape?
Transcription
Quotations
Auribus lupum teneo.
Lupum auribus tenere, a prouerbe in thynges that be daungerous, eyther to retaine, or to lette goo.
To holde a wolfe by the eares, A prouerbe, which dooeth signifie, to be in two sundry daungers, and knowe not what is best, to bee dooen.
Who . . Shalbe as free from cares and feares, As he that holds a wolfe by the eares.
For he held (as they say) the wolfe by the eares, not knowing howe to leaue him; nor yet with what assurance to holde him.
Thou maiest aswell be feareles, as he that holds the wolfe by the eares.
For now we hold an old wolf by the ears, That, if he slip, will seize upon us both, And gripe the sorer, being grip'd himself.
Verily as men say I hold the wolfe by the eares; for I cannot find a deuse how I may send her away, neither know I how to keep her.
I haue a Wolfe by th' eares; I dare be bold, Neither with safety, to let goe, nor hold.
A Prince . . that entertaines Auxiliaries, holds a wolfe by the eares.
(He hath the).
He hath gott a wolfe by the Eears, he does not know whether he had better hold him or lett him goe.
(To have a). *When a man hath a doubtful business in hand, which it is equally hazardous to pursue or give over; as it is to hold or let go a wolf which one hath by the ears.
If ever Man had a Wolfe by the Ears, I haue one now.
(To hold the).
Shakespeare Citations
Thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue, A chafed lion by the mortal paw, A fasting tiger safer by the tooth, Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold.
Villains, That dare as well answer a man indeed As I dare take a serpent by the tongue.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.