[Idiom] The nail that sticks out gets banged down

[Pepperoni Papaya]

What does it mean?
I saw this on an anime so this might not an English saying :-o

 

[TheParser]

What does it mean?
I saw this on an anime so this might not an English saying :-o

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Good morning, Pepperoni.

(1) Let's say there are ten nails in a row. Let's say one of the nails is a

little higher than the others ....!.....

Very soon someone with a hammer will hit the taller nail. Then all the

nails will be the same ..........

(2) Let's say that 10 people work in an office. Let's say that 9 of the

people are always respectful of the boss. But one person

is always complaining. The boss will probably "hit him/her with a hammer"

(dismiss him/her from the company).

Have a nice day!

 

[Barb_D]

Another way to explain it is that the thing/person that draws attention to itself will be the most likely have something unpleasant happen.

It has the exact opposite meaning of "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" which encourages you to stand out and make your unhappiness known.

I'm not sure which advice to obey!