The worm will turn
phrase
A person who is usually quiet or obedient will retaliate or revolt if pushed too far. The phrase refers to the prediction of a drastic change in a situation due to the action of a person or thing usually taken lightly or regarded as powerless or insignificant.
He has been enduring his boss's tantrums silently for a long time, but beware, the worm will turn.
Often appears as...
- patient worm will turn
- silent worm will turn
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A person who is usually quiet or obedient will retaliate or revolt if pushed too far. The phrase refers to the prediction of a drastic change in a situation due to the action of a person or thing usually taken lightly or regarded as powerless or insignificant.
He has been enduring his boss's tantrums silently for a long time, but beware, the worm will turn.
Often appears as...
- patient worm will turn
- silent worm will turn
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Change
This phrase highlights a surprising shift when the meek or disregarded person takes action.
His patience ran out, and the worm will turn, shocking everyone with his bold move.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Worm
Remember, the 'worm' represents a person, not an actual worm. It’s a metaphor.
Just when they thought she would comply forever, the worm will turn.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Context
Use it to empathize with someone’s limit of tolerance before they push back.
They underestimated her once too often, and the worm will turn.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Change
This phrase highlights a surprising shift when the meek or disregarded person takes action.
His patience ran out, and the worm will turn, shocking everyone with his bold move.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Worm
Remember, the 'worm' represents a person, not an actual worm. It’s a metaphor.
Just when they thought she would comply forever, the worm will turn.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Context
Use it to empathize with someone’s limit of tolerance before they push back.
They underestimated her once too often, and the worm will turn.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Change
This phrase highlights a surprising shift when the meek or disregarded person takes action.
His patience ran out, and the worm will turn, shocking everyone with his bold move.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Worm
Remember, the 'worm' represents a person, not an actual worm. It’s a metaphor.
Just when they thought she would comply forever, the worm will turn.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Context
Use it to empathize with someone’s limit of tolerance before they push back.
They underestimated her once too often, and the worm will turn.
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