The English translators of Matthew used the proverbial phrase. But the
proverb is attested in England as early as the 14th century.

There is a related proverb, "to piss into the wind."  That proverb has a
gender-variant -- "to piss upon a nettle."
Tim Romano


----- Original Message -----
From: "Gavin Francis" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 4:01 AM
Subject: Re: "kick against the pricks"


> It's from the gospel of Matthew.
>
> GAVIN
>
> Dave wrote:
>
> > Dear Pounders,
> >
> > Did Pound coin the addage in Hugh Selwyn Maulber, "Mr. Nixon": "Don't
kick
> > against the pricks"?  Or, was that a colloquial saying?
>
>