kick against the pricks
kick against the pricks (idiom)
/kɪk əˈɡɛnst ðə prɪks/
Variants
- kick against the goads
Meaning
- Resisting authority or control in a way that only causes oneself pain or harm.
- Rebelling against rules or systems that cannot be changed.
- Fighting back against a stronger power even though it’s pointless.
- Opposing fate or destiny with frustration or anger.
- Struggling against criticism or discipline in vain.
- Objecting to advice or guidance despite knowing it’s right.
Example Sentences
- He kept kicking against the pricks, even when he knew the rules wouldn’t change.
- She was kicking against the pricks by arguing with the judge.
- The more he resisted, the more it hurt—he was just kicking against the pricks.
- You’re just kicking against the pricks trying to avoid your duties.
- I warned him, but he’s still kicking against the pricks, thinking he can fight fate.
- They were kicking against the pricks instead of learning from the teacher’s advice.
Origin and History
Ancient Greek Roots
The phrase “kick against the pricks” originates from ancient Greek literature. It appears in Euripides’ tragedy The Bacchae, written around 405 BCE. In the play, the line “I would rather sacrifice to him than kick against the pricks” illustrates the futility of resisting divine will. The term “pricks” refers to goads—sharp sticks used to drive oxen. When an ox kicks against the goad, it only injures itself, symbolizing self-destructive resistance.
Biblical Usage
The idiom is notably used in the Christian New Testament. In Acts 26:14 (King James Version), Jesus says to Saul (later Paul) during his conversion: “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” This metaphor emphasizes the futility of resisting divine authority. The expression also appears in Acts 9:5 in some manuscripts. Modern Bible translations often replace “pricks” with “goads” to clarify the imagery.
Agricultural Metaphor
The idiom draws from agricultural practices. Farmers used goads—pointed sticks—to guide oxen while plowing. If an ox resisted by kicking, it would drive the goad deeper into its flesh, causing more pain. Thus, “kicking against the pricks” became a metaphor for futile and self-harming resistance.
Cultural Transmission
The phrase was a common proverb in the ancient Mediterranean world, familiar to both Greeks and Jews. Its use in the New Testament reflects this cultural crossover. The idiom conveyed a universally understood lesson about the consequences of resisting rightful authority.
Earliest Printed Record
The earliest known English printed record of the phrase is in the Geneva Bible (1599):
“It is hard for thee to kicke against pricks.”
The King James Bible (1611) also includes the phrase in Acts 9:5 and Acts 26:14. These translations helped cement the idiom in the English language.
Modern Interpretations
Today, “kick against the pricks” is used to describe futile resistance against authority or inevitable outcomes. The idiom has been referenced in various cultural contexts, including literature and music. For instance, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds titled their 1986 album Kicking Against the Pricks, drawing on the idiom’s themes of rebellion and futility.
Synonyms
- fight a losing battle
- beat one’s head against the wall
- swim against the tide
- go against the grain
About the Author
Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.
Share your opinions