Meaning & Analysis
It is foolish to kick against a sharp object (prick), since doing so only results in self-injury.
Insights
Futility of Resistance
The proverb warns against futile opposition to forces or situations that cannot be changed, highlighting that such resistance leads only to self-harm.
Self-Destructive Rebellion
It symbolizes the human tendency to react against authority, adversity, or inevitable reality—even when such rebellion brings more pain, underscoring the folly of acting against one’s own best interests.
Biblical and Classical Roots
The proverb has deep roots in both biblical (Acts ix.5, 'It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks') and classical sources (Latin: 'Durum est contra stimulum calcitrare'). The 'prick' refers to a goad—an implement used to drive oxen—so kicking it only increases the animal's pain. The saying was widely used to express the danger of stubbornly opposing divine, natural, or societal laws.
Cultural and Literary Resonance
Across Renaissance and early modern English literature, the proverb became a catchphrase for the folly of resisting unchangeable realities or higher powers. It appears in both moral and secular contexts as a caution against pride and obstinacy.
Psychological Dimensions
On a psychological level, the proverb reflects a universal lesson: emotional or reactive defiance can make adversity worse. It urges acceptance, humility, and discernment in recognizing when resistance is self-defeating.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The central metaphor of kicking against a goad (prick) powerfully translates a physical act of self-injury into a vivid image of self-defeating resistance.
Alliteration
The repetition of the 'k' sound in 'kick' and 'prick' adds punch and memorability.
Ellipsis
The proverb omits the explicit outcome (pain, futility), relying on the listener’s understanding of consequence for rhetorical force.
Transcription
Quotations
Yt ys hard to pryke a-gayns the spore.
It is foly to spron agaynst the prycke.
Durum est contra stimulum calceare. It is harde kyckynge against the gode.
Spurne not agaynst the priycke.
Therefore desiste Philotimus, and spurne no more againste the pricke.
(the pricke).
To the fulfilling of that proverbe, which I wish you had marked in the Comedie rather, if not in the Scripture, It is hard to kicke against prickes.
He doubly hurts himselfe that kickes against a pricke.
Its fond to spurne against the pricke.
He kicketh against the prickes.
'Tis folly to kicke againe a pricke.
'Tis folly to spurn against pricks.
That is a sad horse that kicks against the spur.
To kick against the prick, viz. to make the wound or sore harsher, or the worse by provoking.
Bible Citations
It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.