Meaning of the word "the nail that sticks out, gets hammered down" in English

What does "the nail that sticks out, gets hammered down" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

the nail that sticks out, gets hammered down

US /ðə neɪl ðæt stɪks aʊt ɡɛts ˈhæm.ərd daʊn/
UK /ðə neɪl ðæt stɪks aʊt ɡɛts ˈhæm.əd daʊn/
"the nail that sticks out, gets hammered down" picture

Idiom

a person who is different or stands out from the group will be criticized or forced to conform

Example:
In some corporate cultures, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down, so employees avoid taking risks.
He didn't want to voice his unique opinion because he knew that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.