It is futile to fight a losing battle by resisting authority.

A prick is an ox-goad, a spiked stick for urging cattle. Should an animal
dislike this treatment and kick out with his hoofs, it will not escape another
jab. The say comes form the ninth chapter of Acts: ‘… it is hard for thee to
kick against the pricks.’

##### See also:

* What can’t be cured must be endured
* What must be must be
* You must grin and bear it