1Proverb: the nail that sticks out gets hammered down — those who stand out too much are criticized or suppressed by those around them. Often cited to describe pressure toward conformity in Japanese society.
日本では「出る杭は打たれる」と言われ、目立つ行動は敬遠されがちだ。
In Japan they say 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down,' and people tend to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
会議で一人だけ反対意見を出したら上司に睨まれた。まさに出る杭は打たれるだ。
I was the only one to voice opposition at the meeting and my boss glared at me. It really is a case of 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.'
彼女は出る杭は打たれるのを承知で、独自のやり方を貫いた。
Knowing full well that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down, she stuck to her own way of doing things.
2Proverb: tall trees catch much wind — people who excel or achieve a lot tend to attract jealousy and criticism rather than praise.
彼は若くして大きな成果を上げたが、社内では出る杭は打たれるで、なかなか評価されなかった。
He achieved great results at a young age, but within the company 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' — he wasn't easily recognized.
優秀な選手ほど周囲から嫉妬されやすい。出る杭は打たれるということだろう。
The more talented an athlete, the more envy they attract from those around them. It's what's meant by 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.'