(even) a worm will turn

proverb Even quiet, submissive people will get angry if you continually agitate them. Sweet little Janine is going to snap at you if you keep bugging her—even a worm will turn sometimes. I'm not convinced that the dictator will be able to stay in power for much longer—even a worm will turn, you know. Yes, regrettably, I used to scream at my employees over every little thing, until I realized how many of them were resigning so as to not have to deal with me. It really made it clear that a worm will turn.

(even) a worm will turn

even a meek person will resist or retaliate if pushed too far. proverb