Pride comes/goes before a fall

usgb
idiom

When someone is too confident or proud, they may make mistakes that cause them to fail or lead them to troubles.

He was so confident that he'd pass his exams without studying. Well, pride comes before a fall.
Visual representation of "pride comes/goes before a fall" - When someone is too confident or proud, they may make mistakes that cause them to fail or lead them to troubles.

Often appears as...

  • his pride comes before a fall
  • their pride goes before a fall

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "pride comes/goes before a fall"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Caution

Used in contexts where humility is valued and arrogance frowned upon, be mindful of cultural nuances.

Illustration for Cultural Caution
Despite his talents, he learned that pride comes before a fall when his teammates criticized his attitude.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Understand it's usually metaphorical, referring to personal downfalls rather than literal falls.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She boasted about her project non-stop, but pride goes before a fall, as her results were disappointing.
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Negative Outcome

The phrase is never used to describe a positive outcome; it's a caution against negative consequences of pride.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
He never listened to advice, and soon his pride came before a fall, costing him his partnership.
Visual representation of the word "Pride comes/goes before a fall"

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