Māo bù jí, bù shàng shù; tù bù jí, bù yǎo rén.

貓不急不上樹, 兔不急不咬人。

Lit [If] cats are not under duress, they [will] not climb trees, [and if] rabbits are not pressed, [they will] not bite people.

Fig If pressed too hard, people will eventually rise in revolt. “Even a worm will turn.”

Note [See also tùzi jíle below.]

Topics PRESSURE REACTIONS REVOLT