Even a worm will turn explained

"Even a worm will turn" is an English language expression used to convey the message that even the meekest or most docile of creatures will retaliate or seek revenge if pushed too far.[1] The phrase was first recorded in a 1546 collection of proverbs by John Heywood, in the form "Treade a worme on the tayle, and it must turne agayne."[2] It was used in William Shakespeare's play Henry VI, Part 3.[3] [4] In the play, the phrase is uttered by Lord Clifford, killer of Rutland as,[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: worm . Knowles. Elizabeth . Oxford University Press. 2009-05-24.
  2. Book: Speake J . 2015 . The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs . Oxford University Press . 9780198734901 . 353 .
  3. Web site: The smallest worm will turn, being trodden on. Martin. Gary. phrases.org.uk. 2009-05-24.
  4. Web site: worm has turned. The Mavens' Word of the Day. Random House, Inc. . 2009-05-24.
  5. Web site: The smallest worm will turn, being trodden on. english-for-students.com. 2009-05-24.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Even a worm will turn".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.