From the traditional Australian expression: "Don'
t come the raw prawn!" or "Don't come the raw prawn with me!", meaning: "Don't try to put one over me!" or "Don't treat me
like a fool!".
Particularly used to indicate that the listener is aware of the speaker's ingenuousness, for example where the person to whom it's directed feigns innocence or naivety.
Etymology:
Some sources say it is a WWII Australian Army expression. As to why it arose:
one suggestion is that the reason lies in
cooked prawn being more palatable than raw prawn. However, anyone from a fishing background who has handled raw prawn flesh, will know that it is limp,
wet and slippery; like the sort of
people at whom this phrase is directed.
Manager: "I'm
sorry, Dave, management has reviewed our operational requirements and found that your position cannot be justified financially".
Employee: "
Don't you bloody come the raw
prawn with me. I know it's you who wanted me out. At least have the guts to tell me to my face".