What Does "The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered Down" Mean?
"The nail that sticks out gets hammered down" is a Japanese proverb and idiom conveying the idea that conformity and not standing out are often preferred to avoid criticism or punishment.Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down" used in a sentence:- In their culture, the saying 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' encourages people to blend in and avoid drawing attention.
- The corporate environment can be strict, following the principle that 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.'
- Some believe that innovation is discouraged because of the 'nail that sticks out gets hammered down' mentality.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered Down" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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