tall poppy
Success inviting resentment
A tall poppy is someone who has achieved notable success, wealth, or prominence—and who therefore becomes a target for criticism or resentment.
The term comes from Australian and New Zealand English, where tall poppy syndrome describes the cultural tendency to cut down high achievers, bringing them back to the level of ordinary folk.
He's become a tall poppy since his promotion, and the gossip has been relentless.
Accomplished goal or deed
- accomplishmentSuccessful completion of aim
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
prominence · overachiever · high achiever · standout · outperformer · rising star · prodigy · trailblazer
Persistent bitter displeasure
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- cutting downDecreasing or felling
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- mediocrityQuality of being average
conformity · leveling · undermining · ostracism · criticism · begrudging · detractor · disparagement
Persistent bitter displeasure
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- covetousnessExcessive desire for possessions
- begrudgeEnvy or give unwillingly
- spitePetty malicious intent
bitterness · comparison · inferiority · discontent · schadenfreude · ill will · backbiting · gossip
achievement
Accomplished goal or deed
- accomplishmentSuccessful completion of aim
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
recognition · prominence · overachiever · high achiever · standout · outperformer · rising star · prodigy · trailblazer · innovator
resentment
Persistent bitter displeasure
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- cutting downDecreasing or felling
- backlashStrong negative reaction
mediocrity · conformity · leveling · undermining · ostracism · criticism · begrudging · detractor · disparagement · insecurity
resentment
Persistent bitter displeasure
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- covetousnessExcessive desire for possessions
- begrudgeEnvy or give unwillingly
spite · bitterness · comparison · inferiority · discontent · schadenfreude · ill will · backbiting · gossip · belittlement
- Australianakangaroo, Vegemite, boomerang, koala, didgeridoo
tall poppyeveryman
Ordinary representative person
nobody · nonentity · shrinking violet · common man · average Joe
tall poppyunderachiever
One performing below capacity
failure · mediocrity · also-ran · loser · nonentity