Proverb / Kotowaza
出る杭は打たれる
Those who stand out or excel are envied, obstructed, or criticized by others.
The stake that sticks out gets hammered down
Quick Answer
Those who stand out or excel are envied, obstructed, or criticized by others.
- Literal Image
- The stake that sticks out gets hammered down
- Closest Equivalent
- Envy is the companion of honour
- How to Use It
- It can be used to describe social pressure in work or group environments where someone's success or unique behavior leads to friction or opposition from peers.
Meaning
This proverb describes how individuals who possess exceptional talent or ability face jealousy and interference from those around them. It also serves as a warning that those who behave in a forward or meddlesome manner may face social sanctions or be reined in by the group to maintain conformity.
Literal Image
The stake that sticks out gets hammered down
Equivalent Proverbs
Envy is the companion of honour
Focuses on the jealousy that follows success.
How to Use It
It can be used to describe social pressure in work or group environments where someone's success or unique behavior leads to friction or opposition from peers.
Tone
Can be used both as a cautionary warning to someone standing out and as a sympathetic observation about the difficulties of being talented.
Examples
彼は若くして異例の出世を遂げたが、やはり出る杭は打たれるもので、周囲からの風当たりが強いようだ。
He achieved an extraordinary promotion at a young age, but as they say, the stake that sticks out gets hammered down, and he seems to be facing a lot of pressure from those around him.
斬新なアイデアを提案し続けていたら、上司に目をつけられてしまった。まさに出る杭は打たれるだ。
Because I kept proposing innovative ideas, I ended up being targeted by my boss. It's exactly a case of the stake that sticks out getting hammered down.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses familiar verbs like 'deru' and 'utsu' (in passive form), but the overall concept and the word 'kui' (stake) are more idiomatic for intermediate learners.
出る
でる / deru
to stick out; to emerge
杭
くい / kui
stake; post
打たれる
うたれる / utareru
to be struck; to be hammered
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Note that 'utareru' is the passive form of 'utsu' (to hit). It refers to social pressure or being reined in, not necessarily physical violence.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression comes from the image of a row of stakes where if one stands higher than the others, it is hammered down to match the height of the rest. It reflects a social mechanism where those who stand out are suppressed to maintain group harmony and uniformity.
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