proverb · Words worth keeping
Pride goes before, and shame follows after.
Pride goes before, and shame follows after.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Overconfidence can lead someone into a mistake that brings embarrassment. The saying warns against letting pride replace a realistic check, without proving that every confident action will end badly.
Example
A confident presenter rehearses an unfamiliar demonstration and checks the equipment instead of assuming that previous success makes preparation unnecessary.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Pride is imagined walking first, with shame coming behind as its consequence. The image cautions against assuming that one’s ability or position removes the need to consider a difficulty. It should not make reasonable confidence, satisfaction or self-respect suspect. Nor does an embarrassing result establish that pride caused it; chance and unfamiliar circumstances may matter. The useful warning is specific: when confidence discourages questions or preparation, it can leave a person less ready to recognise a limitation. Checking a plan honestly is compatible with believing in one’s ability, rather than requiring either boastfulness or a refusal to attempt anything.
When to use it
Use it when confidence is preventing a relevant check or question.
Keep in mind
Self-respect and confidence are not faults; embarrassment does not by itself prove pride.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English