kick against the pricks: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kick against the pricks’ mean?
The idiom kick against the pricks means to resist or rebel against authority, often resulting in frustration or failure.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stick it to the man" means to rebel against authority or challenge the status quo in a defiant or confrontational manner.
The idiom "kick the habit" means to stop or break a bad or addictive behavior or addiction. It can refer to giving up smoking, drugs, or any other negative habit.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom *kick someone's ass* means to physically or figuratively defeat or dominate someone. It conveys a strong sense of power, aggression, and superiority. This phrase is often used colloquially and can be considered vulgar or offensive in certain contexts.
The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
The idiom "kick loose" means to break free or detach from a situation or person. It implies a desire for independence and liberation.
The idiom "kick it" means to relax, have fun, or spend time casually with friends or acquaintances. It often implies a laid-back and informal atmosphere, where one can enjoy themselves without any specific agenda or responsibilities.
The idiom "kick into touch" means to deliberately avoid dealing with something or to delay a decision or action. It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to avoid taking responsibility or facing a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Decoding the Rebellion
The idiom "kick against the pricks" is an interesting and somewhat enigmatic expression with ancient Greek origins. It is derived from a line in the play "The Bacchae" by Euripides in the 5th century BC. Later translated into Latin as "calcitrare in aspidem," the idiom gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Based on a metaphorical image of an animal kicking against a sharp object, such as a thorn or a prick, in an attempt to escape or resist, the idiom conveys the idea of futile or counterproductive resistance against authority, fate, or circumstances. It implies that one's efforts to rebel or fight back will ultimately be in vain and may even cause more harm.
The idiom "kick against the pricks" has been referenced throughout history by notable writers such as William Shakespeare and John Milton, further solidifying its significance in the English language.
But how does this idiom relate to other idiomatic expressions that involve the act of kicking? Two such idioms are "kicking and screaming" and "kick at the can."
The idiom "kicking and screaming" refers to a situation in which someone resists or protests against something forcefully. It often implies a strong emotional reaction or reluctance to go along with a particular course of action. When viewed together with "kick against the pricks," this expression emphasizes the futility and potential consequences of resisting or rebelling against authority or circumstances.
Similarly, the idiom "kick at the can" signifies a futile effort or attempt to accomplish something. It suggests that one's actions are ultimately ineffective or pointless. When considering how this idiom relates to "kick against the pricks," it reinforces the idea that resisting forces beyond our control only leads to more pain and suffering.
Overall, these idiomatic expressions paint a vivid picture of the limitations of resistance and rebellion. They remind us that going against the natural order of things or fighting against authority can often result in more harm than good. It is a timeless truth, reflected in various literary works throughout history.
It is worth contemplating whether this pessimistic view of human agency or a realistic assessment of the consequences of our actions. Regardless of interpretation, the enduring presence of these idioms in our language and literature keeps the conversation alive, allowing us to explore the complexities of human nature and the universal themes they encompass.
Example usage
Example 1: John always kicks against the pricks when his boss gives him any feedback on his work.
Example 2: Despite being warned about the consequences, the rebellious teenager continued to kick against the pricks and defy his parents' rules.
Example 3: The politician's controversial remarks were seen as an act of kicking against the pricks, challenging the established norms and expectations of his party.
More "Resilience" idioms
