Explaining “Even a worm will turn”

What does it mean?

The phrase "Even a worm will turn" means that even the most humble or weak person will resist or retaliate if pushed too far. It signifies that there is a limit to what people can endure before they stand up for themselves.

Tone

Origin

The phrase is rooted in an old proverbial belief that even the lowliest of creatures, such as a worm, will eventually defend itself if threatened. The phrase has been in use since at least the late 1500s and is often attributed to William Shakespeare, though its use predates him. It can be found in Shakespeare's play "Henry VI, Part 3", written in the early 1590s.