the nail that sticks out gets hammered down
Those who are too different or conspicuous get criticized or sanctioned by others.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't be too loud, or the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”
“In this strict office, you should follow the rules because the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”
“He refused to conform to the company culture, eventually learning the hard way that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down by management.”
The expression is a calque of the Japanese 出る釘は打たれる (deru kugi wa utareru). It entered English as a direct translation of the Japanese proverb regarding the social consequences of non-conformity.
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
as it gets
As it is possible to be.
- 03
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
- 04
beat with the ugly stick
Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.
- 05
been there, done that, got the T-shirt
Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
- 06
bite one's nails
To worry or fret over something.
- 07
bring down the hammer
To treat very harshly.
- 08
bring to the hammer
To put up for sale by auction.
Last updated August 10, 2026