ENGLISH
REFERENCE

the nail that sticks out gets hammered down

idiom
Meaning

Those who are too different or conspicuous get criticized or sanctioned by others.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of Japanese 出る釘は打たれる (deru kugi wa utareru)

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't be too loud, or the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

CONTEXTUAL

In this strict office, you should follow the rules because the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

COMPLEX

He refused to conform to the company culture, eventually learning the hard way that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down by management.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    another nail in someone's coffin

    An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.

  2. 02

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    final nail in the coffin

    Something that is ultimately responsible for a previously prospective demise or failure.

  4. 04

    give as good as one gets

    To behave toward others in a manner resembling or commensurate with their behavior towards oneself, especially in a situation where one is insulted or otherwise ill-treated.

  5. 05

    hit the nail on the head

    To identify something exactly; to arrive at exactly the right answer.

  6. 06

    last nail in the coffin

    Alternative form of final nail in the coffin.

  7. 07

    nail down

    to make something (e.g. a decision or plan) firm or certain

  8. 08

    nail the hammer on the head

    Nonstandard form of hit the nail on the head.

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