Just as tall trees are known by their shadows, so are good men known by their enemies

Similar sayings:

When the tree falls, the shadow flies When the tree falls, the shadow flies
You think you’ve lost your horse? Who knows, he may bring a whole herd back to you someday You think you’ve lost your horse? Who knows, he may bring a whole herd back to you someday
No matter how tall the mountain, it cannot block out the sun No matter how tall the mountain, it cannot block out the sun
Don’t waste good iron for nails or good men for soldiers Don’t waste good iron for nails or good men for soldiers
Two good talkers are not worth one good listener Two good talkers are not worth one good listener

Chinese sayings and proverbs