出でる杭くいは打うたれる

expression, ichidan verb

the nail that sticks out gets hammered down

Proverb warning that those who stand out or are different will face criticism or suppression. Often used to describe Japanese social pressure toward conformity.

See also: 出る釘は打たれる

• 日本にほんでは「出でる杭くいは打うたれる」ということわざがある。

  In Japan, there is a proverb that says, 'The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.'

expression, ichidan verb

tall trees catch much wind

Proverb meaning that those who excel or are prominent attract envy and dislike. Similar in spirit to sense 1 but emphasizes the negative attention that comes with success.

See also: 出る釘は打たれる

• 彼かれは出しゅっ世せしたが、同どう僚りょうから嫉しっ妬とされた。「出でる杭くいは打うたれる」とはこのことだ。

  He got promoted but was envied by his colleagues. This is exactly what 'tall trees catch much wind' means.