proverb · Words worth keeping
A shy failure is nobler than an immodest success.
A shy failure is nobler than an immodest success.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying values a modest unsuccessful attempt above a boastful success. It judges conduct as well as outcome.
What the words are saying
Shy and immodest create a contrast in manner, while nobler expresses a value judgment. The supplied gloss instead promises future record-breaking achievement, which these words do not establish. A useful reading considers how someone handles either result without treating quietness as proof of virtue or confidence as a fault.
Everyday example
An organiser appreciates a participant’s considerate conduct even though their attempt did not win.
When to use it
Use it to discuss the relationship between achievement, modesty and conduct.
What it does not mean
No future victory is promised, and a person’s manner alone does not establish moral worth.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or 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
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 790; PDF page 112
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.