Augur Well
The phrase “augur well” signifies a promising indication of a positive future outcome. It suggests that present circumstances or signs foreshadow good things to come. To “augur” originally meant to predict from omens, and while the practice of ancient augury is largely historical, the phrase persists as a common idiom for anticipating favorable results. It’s important to differentiate ‘augur’ from ‘auger’; an augur was a priest who interpreted omens, while an auger is a tool used for boring holes.
Origin of “Augur Well”
The roots of “augur well” lie in ancient Roman religious practice. Augurs were priests tasked with interpreting the will of the gods through observations of natural phenomena – the flight of birds, the behavior of animals, or the patterns of smoke. These observations were believed to foretell future events. The earliest recorded use of the phrase in its modern context appears in 1778, within a speech documented in the Parliamentary Register. The Duke of Richmond stated, “I augur well from the readiness with which it has been granted.” Prior to this, the verb ‘to augur’ simply meant to predict, but the addition of ‘well’ solidified its meaning as predicting a positive outcome. It gradually became a common figure of speech, retaining a literary flavor even in everyday conversation.
Analysis of “Augur Well” in Literature
The power of “augur well” in literature lies in its ability to create a sense of anticipation and subtly foreshadow events. It doesn’t explicitly state what will happen, but rather creates a mood of expectation. Authors often employ it to build suspense, suggest thematic connections, or reveal a character’s optimistic or pessimistic outlook. The phrase is frequently found in narratives involving journeys, quests, or pivotal decisions, where the protagonist’s initial perceptions set the tone for what is to come. Its slightly archaic tone can also lend a sense of formality or historical weight to a passage.
Example #1
Don Juan by Lord Byron
I had my doubts, perhaps I have them still,
But what I say is neither here nor there;
I knew his father well, and have some skill
In character, but it would not be fair
From sire to son to augur good or ill:
He and his wife were all ill-sorted pair—
But scandal’s my aversion – I protest
Against all evil speaking, even in jest.
In this excerpt, Byron uses “augur good” (a variation of “augur well”) to express a reluctance to judge a son based on the perceived flaws of his father. The speaker acknowledges his own ability to assess character but deliberately refrains from making a prediction, highlighting the uncertainty of fate and the dangers of prejudice. The phrase emphasizes his desire for fairness, suggesting that even with knowledge of the father, it’s impossible to reliably forecast the son’s future.
Example #2
Holly by Denise Feldmann
A gracious lady with a fine pedigree
Has stood with dignity for a century
A warm and welcoming face she displays
Which augurs well for a comfortable stay
The great Southern Alps she proudly envelops
With changeable seasons the picture develops
Pink snow on the peaks at the breaking of dawn
Heralding in a breathtaking morn
Here, Feldmann employs “augurs well” to directly convey the promise of a pleasant experience at Holly Homestead. The welcoming atmosphere and the majestic scenery are presented as indicators of the comfort and hospitality guests can expect. The phrase serves as a straightforward invitation, assuring potential visitors of a positive stay. It links the aesthetic beauty of the setting to the quality of the service provided.
Example #3
Society of Men, excerpt by Anthony Lane from The New Yorker on February 9, 2015
“Clement and Waititi are not just the stars of this enterprise but also its writers and directors. Flight of the Conchords fans will know Clement as one half of the band; he was also directed by Waititi in “Eagle vs. Shark” (2007). That augurs well, but it still doesn’t prepare you for the uncanny lure of “What We Do in the Shadows.”
Lane uses “augurs well” to suggest that the previous successful collaboration between Clement and Waititi is a positive sign for their new project. It’s a reasoned prediction based on their established creative partnership. However, he immediately qualifies this prediction, implying that even with a promising history, the sheer originality and appeal of “What We Do in the Shadows” might exceed expectations. This creates a playful tension between anticipation and surprise.
Example #4
“Is Revolutionary Fervor Afire—Again—in Tunisia?” by Robin Wright (December 31, 2018) from The New Yorker
“The combination does not augur well for Tunisia’s New Year. “It is easy to predict that Tunisia will continue to have roiling micro‑protests,” Lawrence said. “The current wave will not threaten the establishment like 2011, but it is a harbinger of things to come if Tunisia does not improve its socio‑economic situation.”
In this instance, Wright uses “does not augur well” to signal a pessimistic outlook regarding Tunisia’s political future. The phrase immediately establishes a sense of unease and foreboding. The subsequent analysis clarifies the source of this negativity – the underlying socio‑economic issues that threaten stability. The phrase functions as a warning, highlighting the potential for renewed unrest.
Beyond Literature: Nuances and Usage
While often found in literary contexts, “augur well” remains a versatile phrase in everyday speech and writing. It’s important to note that it doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome, but rather indicates a likelihood or a favorable sign. The phrase can be used with varying degrees of certainty – from a cautious optimism to a strong expectation. It’s also worth noting its slightly formal tone, which might make it more appropriate for certain contexts than others. Consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to employ this phrase. It’s a subtle way to convey not only a prediction, but also a sense of discernment and understanding.