expression, ichidan verb
the nail that sticks out gets hammered down
Proverb warning that standing out or being different invites criticism or suppression. Often used to describe conformist social pressure in Japan.
See also: 出る杭は打たれる
In Japan, people are sometimes taught to avoid standing out, as the saying goes, "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down."
expression, ichidan verb
tall trees catch much wind; excellence invites envy
A less common interpretation of the same proverb, emphasizing that those who excel may become disliked or targeted. Essentially the same underlying idea as sense 1, but with a different English gloss.
See also: 出る杭は打たれる
彼は仕事ができるがゆえに妬まれる。「出る釘は打たれる」の典型だ。
He is envied because he is competent at work. It's a classic case of "tall trees catch much wind."