Pride comes before a fall
Meaning: Arrogance often precedes failure.
Origin: A shortening of Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." The biblical verse speaks of pride leading to destruction; everyday use has folded the two halves together.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: L'orgueil précède la chute (literally: Pride precedes the fall)
- Spanish: La soberbia precede a la caída (literally: Pride precedes the fall)
- Japanese: 驕れる者久しからず (Ogoreru mono hisashikarazu) (literally: The arrogant do not last long)
- German: Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall (literally: Arrogance comes before the fall)
More proverbs about Morality
- The wheels of justice turn slowly — Justice takes time but eventually arrives.
- The ends justify the means — A good outcome excuses questionable methods.
- Charity begins at home — Take care of your own family before helping others.
- Don't look a gift horse in the mouth — Don't question the value of a gift.
- If the shoe fits, wear it — Accept criticism that accurately applies to you.
- The fish rots from the head down — Problems in an organization or society start at the top, with its leaders.
From our idioms
- faire la pluie et le beau temps — Having complete control over a situation or someone's fate.
- avoir une dent contre quelqu'un — Holding a grudge or resentment toward someone.
- tirer les vers du nez — Getting someone to reveal information they want to keep secret.