Pride comes before a fall.
Pride comes before a fall.
Meaning in plain English
The saying places pride before a fall. It warns that excessive self-confidence may precede humiliation or failure.
Example
A team leader invites a check of their plan instead of assuming their confidence settles its quality.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The sequence makes the later reversal seem connected to the earlier attitude. A qualified application can question overconfidence that prevents checking or listening. It does not prove pride caused a particular setback or make every confident person destined to fail.
When to use it
Use it to discuss overconfidence and neglected checks.
Keep in mind
A setback does not prove pride or an inevitable moral punishment.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 135; PDF page 23
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗