What does “Pride goes before a fall” mean?
"Pride goes before a fall" means that being too confident or arrogant can lead to a person's downfall or failure.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He was so sure of himself, but pride goes before a fall and he ended up losing the competition.
Example
She thought she was invincible, but pride goes before a fall and she made a costly mistake.
Example
They were riding high on their success, but pride goes before a fall and their business eventually collapsed
Is “Pride goes before a fall” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Pride goes before a fall” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Pride goes before a fall” effectively in context?
You can use "Pride goes before a fall" to caution someone against being overly proud or arrogant. It serves as a reminder that excessive pride can lead to negative consequences and downfall. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Academic Setting
Despite his impressive grades, he should not underestimate the difficulty of the final exam. Pride goes before a fall.
- 2Sports Competition
The team had been winning consistently, but they shouldn't get too complacent. Pride goes before a fall.
- 3Personal Relationships
She should be careful not to let her success overshadow her humility. Pride goes before a fall.
Similar phrases to “Pride goes before a fall”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Pride goes before a fall” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Pride goes before a fall" can be traced back to the Bible. It is derived from the book of Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 16:18, which states, 'Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.' The phrase has since become a widely recognized proverb in English.
Is “Pride goes before a fall” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Pride goes before a fall" is a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind people to stay humble and avoid becoming too arrogant or overconfident.
What tone does “Pride goes before a fall” have?
"Pride goes before a fall" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It is used to warn against the dangers of excessive pride and arrogance.
Can “Pride goes before a fall” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "Pride goes before a fall" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known phrase that carries a universal message. You can use it in various contexts, such as conversations with friends, family, or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations like presentations or writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
While "Pride goes before a fall" is commonly used as part of a sentence, it can also be understood and used alone to convey its meaning. For example, if someone is being overly confident, you can simply say, '"Pride goes before a fall."' to remind them of the potential consequences of their behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- arrogance precedes downfall
- conceit leads to failure
- overconfidence breeds disaster
- vanity comes before ruin
- haughtiness leads to defeat
Antonyms
- humility leads to success
- modesty breeds achievement
- self-awareness prevents failure
- humble beginnings lead to greatness
- wisdom comes before victory
