- English translation
The hornet's buzzing brought about the destruction of its own nest.
- Literal wording
A hornet buzzed to the ruin of its nest.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying points to self-inflicted harm: a person's own behavior can expose what they need to protect. Like the hornet whose noise betrays its nest, someone may draw damaging attention through needless activity or insistence.
Its warning concerns persistence that works against the person pursuing it. Continuing to press a matter is not always helpful; when that pressure creates the danger, restraint can protect what further effort would put at risk.
- When it is used
Use it when someone's insistence or conspicuous behavior brings trouble upon them or endangers their own interests. It comments on the person's role in causing the harm, rather than on misfortune beyond their control.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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