Definition
Those who are too different or conspicuous get criticized or sanctioned by others.
Origins
Calque of Japanese 出る釘は打たれる (deru kugi wa utareru)
See Also
- crab mentality
- keep one's head down
- Law of Jante
- tall poppy syndrome
- tall trees catch much wind
How People Actually Use It
The nail that sticks out gets hammered down is a Japanese saying that means deviation from the norm or not conforming will be punished.
""Sarah dyed her hair another different colour so her mom shaved her head." "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.""
Source: Urban Dictionary