16 ms·
Another variant of this is "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down." I've usually heard it in reference to Japan, but occasionally other Asian countries a
by splonk 6y ago
Another variant of this is "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down." I've usually heard it in reference to Japan, but occasionally other Asian countries as well.
- wccrawford 6y agoThe opposite is "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". It's interesting how both views are opposite and yet both true.
- cutemonster 6y ago"the squeaky wheel" is about someone who complains. But "tall poppy" is someone who is talented. No contradiction between punishing talented people, and serving those who complain.
- wccrawford 6y ago"The nail that sticks up" isn't necessarily about talent. It's about standing out in any way.
- cutemonster 6y agoOk that's right, sorry. Here's two others: aim for the stars and hit the moon. And, He who tries to get everything gets nothing (Translated.) Those sayings also disagree with each other
- webmaven 6y agoThe nail/hammer version is pretty common in Russia, too.