2006-12-21 13:30:25 · 3 answers · asked by Gramgram 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The first written form of this adage yet found comes from 1546, and Shakespeare invoked it in his 1593 Henry VI, part II.."the smallest worm shall turn, being trodden on"..The poet Robert Browning used it in 1864: "Tread on a worm, it turns, sir! If I turn, Your fault!"
I think it would be almost impossible to find a direct origin for this phrase, but its general meaning remains clear: even the weakest among us can only take bad treatment for so long...
2006-12-21 16:08:10 · answer #1 · answered by meggush 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As small as a worm is if you step on it it will turn and try to bite your foot but most of the time it will run away and hide unless it cant. So it refers to a person that was always being bullied or picked on or downtrodden and finally he turns and stands up for himself and fights back.
2006-12-21 13:38:57 · answer #2 · answered by Agnon L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is Minnie driving force, off an episode of Will and style. hassle-free. i won't be ready to win the damned contest because of the fact I gained beat Arnie some weeks decrease back. good good fortune adult adult males, i want somebody to win, i'm ill of listening to Halle Berry whine.
2016-11-28 03:06:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋