Meaning of the word "more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows" in English

What does "more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows

US /mɔːr ˈpiːpl noʊ tɑːm fuːl ðæn tɑːm fuːl noʊz/
UK /mɔː ˈpiːpl nəʊ tɒm fuːl ðæn tɒm fuːl nəʊz/
"more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows" picture

Idiom

used to say that a person is well-known or famous, but they do not know all the people who recognize them

Example:
He was surprised when a stranger waved at him, but as they say, more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows.
Being a local celebrity has its downsides; more people know Tom Fool than Tom Fool knows.