A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

In vain the NET is spread in the sight of the bird
With allusion to PROVERBS i. 17 (AV) Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; cf. c 1395 WYCLIF Bible (1850) Proverbs i. 17 A net is leid in veyn before the ighen [eyes] of briddis.

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  1581 G. PETTIE tr. S. Guazzo’s Civil Conversation I. 20V In vaine (as the Prouerb sayth) The net is pitcht in the sight of the birdes. 1888 J. E. T. ROGERS Economic Interpretation of Hist. xxi. The landowners in Pitt’s time foresaw this. .. They would certainly be caught, and the net was spread in vain in sight of the bird. 1941 ‘M. COLES’ They tell No Tales x. ‘Keep a good look out.’.. ‘In vain is the net spread in the sight of the bird, anyway.’ 1961 L. S. DE CAMP Dragon of Ishtar Gate viii. ‘If they come, we shall be ready,’ said Bessas. ‘In vain the net is spread in the sight of the bird.’ “deception; futility
  

net see also all is FISH that comes to the net.
If you gently touch a NETTLE it’ll sting you for your pains; grasp it like a lad of mettle, an’ as soft as silk remains
The metaphorical phrase to grasp the nettle, to tackle a difficulty boldly, is often found.

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  1578 LYLY Euphues I. 212 True it is Philautus that he which toucheth ye nettle tenderly, is soonest stoung. 1660 W. SECKER Nonsuch Professor I. 156 Sin is like the nettle, that stings when it is gently touched, but doth hurt not when it is ruggedly handled. 1753 A. HILL Works IV. 120 Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you, for your pains: Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains. 1830 R. FORBY Vocabulary of East Anglia 430 ‘Nip a nettle hard, and it will not sting you’—i.e. Strong and decided measures prevail best with troublesome people. 1925 S. O’CASEY Juno & Paycock I. 35 Be firm, Captain. .. If you gently touch a nettle it’ll sting you for your pains; grasp it like a lad of mettle, an’ as soft as silk remains. "boldness