not know (one's) own strength

(redirected from don't know their own strength)

not know (one's) own strength

To underestimate how much force one is able to apply or exert in some physical activity. A: "Hey, you're pushing the car too fast! I just need to get it off the road, not down into the ditch!" B: "Oops, sorry. Guess I don't know my own strength!" You need to be more careful with that equipment. You don't know your own strength!
See also: know, not, own, strength

not know one's own strength

not to realize how destructive or harmful one's strength can be. I didn't mean to hurt you. I guess I don't know my own strength. He might break the door down by accident. He doesn't know his own strength and could end up pushing too hard against the door.
See also: know, not, own, strength
References in periodicals archive ?
PARENTS smack their children harder than they think because they don't know their own strength, a study revealed yesterday.
SMACKS HURT MORE THAN PARENTS THINK
Infants and toddlers don't know their own strength, nor do they have a true conception of the consequences of their aggressive actions.
Understanding and alleviating sibling rivalry
But too many leaders are blind to their own personalities -- they simply don't know their own strengths and weaknesses, say the authors of Strengths Based Leadership.
Finding Your Leadership Strengths; Why effective leaders must possess a high level of self-awareness
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