出头椽子

出头椽子

Literally means:

the rafter protruding from under the ceiling

Actually means:

the person in the limelight or taking the lead

The rafter protruding from under the ceiling decays earlier than other rafters for it is more exposed to the weather.

Figuratively this phrase refers to the pioneering people or the people who are subject to attacks for doing so.

露在屋檐外的椽子。因为它露在外面，受到更多日晒雨淋，所以比屋子上其他木头先烂掉。

比喻行为突出，勇敢带头的人，或因此遭受打击的人。