Proverb

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Even an earthworm wriggles when stepped on.

β€” Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

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A stone footpath climbing through misty mountains at sunrise.
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What does this proverb mean?

Someone considered powerless can still resist mistreatment.

Sources and attribution

Unattributed Traditional proverb; individual author and earliest use unknown.

Source: National Institute of Korean Language β€” Korean Basic Dictionary , Korean Basic Dictionary, proverb: 지렁이도 밟으면 κΏˆν‹€ν•œλ‹€

Origin: Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

View reference β†—

Traditional Korean saying. English rendering and explanation by Quotations; not copied from the dictionary’s definitions. The reference documents usage, not first authorship.

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