懂中文 Dong Chinese
Dictionary
Log in
  • Learn
  • Dictionary
  • Media
  • Settings
出头的椽子先烂
chū​tóu​de​chuán​zi​xiān​làn

the nail that sticks out gets hammered down

Definitions Defs Origin Strokes Stroke Words Sentences Sents
出头的椽子先烂 出頭的椽子先爛 chū​tóu​de​chuán​zi​xiān​làn
the nail that sticks out gets hammered down
Literally "rafters that jut out rot first"; anyone who makes themselves conspicuous will be the first to be targeted for attack or criticism