지렁이도 밟으면 꿈틀한다더니 · 지렁이도 밟으면 꿈틀한다고요
even the meekest person will fight back if pushed too far (lit. even an earthworm wriggles when stepped on)
Example
지렁이도 밟으면 꿈틀한다고, 늘 참던 동생이 결국 화를 냈어요.
Even a worm will turn — my brother, who always put up with it, finally lost his temper.
Word parts
Literally 'even an earthworm wriggles (꿈틀하다) when stepped on': the weakest creature still reacts.
Good to know
Like English 'Even a worm will turn.' Used when a long-suffering person finally pushes back, or as a warning not to push someone too far. 밟으면 is pronounced [발브면].