Word play: 01 (Pain / Pains)

When's the appropriate time to cosh an abductor?

    Reader Valerio posted this comment below to my blog https://piccola-chinita.blogspot.com/2026/01/whens-appropriate-time-to-cosh-abductor.html

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I am impressed by your thorough advance preparation for a possible abduction...what I mostly had in mind with my question was: how can a girl with an umbrella in the back seat of a locked car hope she can prevent from being abducted from some probably ruthless and experienced thug if he is really determined to kidnap her? In this scenario, I would think that any coshing would just aggravate her position...

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My reply: 

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You're right, I'm not sure that I'd have been able to ward him off totally, but what's the alternative?

I certainly wouldn't acquiesce willingly. At least let him get some pain for it.

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Re-reading my answer above, I've just thought of a word play (had my brain been quick enough at the time...) if I'd done my original reply as:

I certainly wouldn't acquiesce willingly.  At least let him get some pain for his pains.

(from googling)

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"For his pains" means in return for the effort, trouble, or work someone put in, often used ironically to highlight a disappointing or negative outcome, like getting complaints instead of thanks for trying hard. It refers to the "pains" (great care, trouble, or exertion) someone took, implying the result wasn't worth the effort. 

Examples:

• "He worked all night to fix the computer, and all he got for his pains was a bigger mess".
• "She went to great lengths to explain, but was laughed at for her pains".