tall poppies
Those who excel
Tall poppies are people who stand out for their success, wealth, or prominence—and who therefore attract resentment or criticism.
The metaphor comes from the idea that poppies growing taller than the rest get cut down.
The term appears especially in Australian and British contexts: Australians have a reputation for cutting down tall poppies.
Tall poppy syndrome describes the cultural tendency to criticize or undermine high achievers.
Resenting others' success actively
- cutting downDecreasing or felling
- peer pressureInfluence from one's equals
- groupthinkConformity-driven poor decisions
- conformityAdherence to norms
mediocrity · uniformity · ostracism · backlash · scapegoating · detractor · naysayer · criticism
Accomplished goal or deed
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- prominenceNotable status or visibility
prestige · recognition · accolade · accomplishment · triumph · ambition · merit · talent
Resentful desire for another's advantages
- envyResentful longing for another's
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- begrudgingReluctantly allowing or giving
- spitePetty malicious intent
bitterness · hostility · animosity · covetousness · green-eyed · sour grapes · grievance · discontent
- overachieverOne exceeding all expectations
- standoutExceptional person or thing
- frontrunnerLeading candidate or competitor
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
rising star · wunderkind · prodigy · valedictorian · success story · go-getter · innovator · entrepreneur
crab mentality
Resenting others' success actively
- cutting downDecreasing or felling
- peer pressureInfluence from one's equals
- groupthinkConformity-driven poor decisions
conformity · mediocrity · uniformity · ostracism · backlash · scapegoating · detractor · naysayer · criticism · disparagement
achievement
Accomplished goal or deed
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
prominence · prestige · recognition · accolade · accomplishment · triumph · ambition · merit · talent · wealth
jealousy
Resentful desire for another's advantages
- envyResentful longing for another's
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- begrudgingReluctantly allowing or giving
spite · bitterness · hostility · animosity · covetousness · green-eyed · sour grapes · grievance · discontent · disapproval
high achiever
- overachieverOne exceeding all expectations
- standoutExceptional person or thing
- frontrunnerLeading candidate or competitor
trailblazer · rising star · wunderkind · prodigy · valedictorian · success story · go-getter · innovator · entrepreneur · leader
cut down
Reduce or fell
- knock downCause to collapse
- bring downCause to collapse
- take downDefeat or disassemble
pull down · tear down · humble · diminish · undermine · sabotage · criticize · attack · target · denigrate
tall poppieswallflowers
Timid party attendees
the masses · ordinary people · common folk · nobodies · small fry
tall poppiesbeneath notice