Keep from the anger of a great man.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

The saying warns that anger from a powerful person may have serious consequences. Recognise a difference in power without assuming that authority makes anger justified or requires silent acceptance of unfair treatment.

What the words are saying

Great man can describe someone with high standing or power in this warning. The concern is what that person may be able to do when displeased, rather than whether their feelings deserve special respect. It reflects caution about unequal consequences in a relationship. A modern interpretation should not turn that caution into approval of intimidation. Challenging a decision may still be necessary, and avoiding all disagreement is not always possible or desirable. The useful question is how to understand the power involved and seek appropriate support, rather than pretending that an unfair response becomes right because its source is influential.

Everyday example

A group planning to question a venue manager’s decision gathers the relevant correspondence and asks a trusted colleague to join the discussion instead of relying on a heated exchange alone.

When to use it

Use it to recognise unequal power when considering how to raise a concern.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.