Pride & Humility: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that those who possess the greatest qualities, achievements, or responsibilities tend to be more humble and grounded

"Those who produce most are most humble — the boughs that bear most hang lowest."

"The most accomplished person in the room was also the most unassuming — the boughs that bear most hang lowest."

used to suggest that when someone is successful or accomplished, they often do not boast or draw attention to themselves

"Truly capable people do not need to prove themselves — a loaded wagon makes no noise."

"The most talented engineers rarely boast about their work — a loaded wagon makes no noise."

used to imply that as someone's status or position increases, their faults and shortcomings become more noticeable and harder to conceal

"The more someone shows off, the more they expose their flaws — the higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his tail."

"As his profile grew, his weaknesses became increasingly visible — the higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his tail."

used to suggest that receiving recognition or honor can have an impact on one's behavior and attitude toward others, whether positive or negative

"Success changed his manners."

"After winning the championship, the team captain's arrogance proved that honors change manners, alienating his teammates."

used to imply that excessive pride or overconfidence can lead to a person's downfall or failure

"Arrogance leads to failure — pride comes before a fall."

"She dismissed all warnings about the risk — pride goes before a fall."

used to imply that pride can cause a person to ignore or overlook discomfort or suffering, prioritizing maintaining their pride over resolving their problems or receiving help

"Proud people do not notice the cost of their pride — pride feels no pain."

"He refused to back down despite the damage it was causing — pride feels no pain."

used to imply that when a person praises their own abilities or accomplishments, it is not a reliable or trustworthy recommendation compared to the opinions of others

"Praising yourself convinces nobody — self-praise is no recommendation."

"His constant self-promotion had the opposite effect — self-praise is no recommendation."

used to highlight the negative impact of arrogance on a person's ability to gain and apply knowledge and wisdom

"Too much pride destroys good thinking — arrogance diminishes wisdom."

"His refusal to consider other perspectives showed how arrogance diminishes wisdom over time."

used to suggest that if one has a desirable quality or possession, it is acceptable to show it off, emphasizing the idea of being proud of one's achievements or possessions

"If you have something worth showing, show it — if you have got it, flaunt it."

"You earned that promotion, so celebrate it proudly — if you have got it, flaunt it."