a reed before the wind lives on(, while mighty oaks do fall)

a reed before the wind lives on(, while mighty oaks do fall)

proverb Those who remain flexible and adaptable will be able to survive change, hardship, or adversity more easily than those who try to challenge or stand against it. The CEO doesn't tolerate people who won't go along with his ideas or change to meet his demands. A reed before the wind lives on, at least when you're working at this company. Luckily, I had diversified a lot of my revenue streams before the economic crash hit, so I was able to change tack and withstand the blow better than the large companies that had no room to maneuver. A reed before the wind lives on, while mighty oaks to fall. Come on, you can't cling steadfast to business practices that are ineffectual. Haven't you ever heard that a reed before the wind lives on?

See also: before, lives, mighty, oak, reed, while, wind

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

reed before the wind lives on, while mighty oaks do fall

Prov. An insignificant, flexible person is more likely not to get hurt in a crisis than a prominent or rigid person. Our office has new managers now; I plan to be as inconspicuous as possible while they reorganize everyone. A reed before the wind lives on, while mighty oaks do fall.

See also: before, fall, lives, mighty, oak, reed, while, wind

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.