Proverb advising that when someone or something is stronger than you, it's often wiser to go along with them than to fight; similar to "if you can't beat them, join them."
あの会社には人手も資金も多いから、長い物には巻かれろだね。
That company has more staff and capital, so it's a case of 'if you can't beat them, join them.'
地域の慣習が強い場所では、長い物には巻かれろ、反発しても損するだけだ。
In places where local customs are strong, it's better to go along with them; resisting only brings trouble.
若いうちは尖るより、まずは長い物には巻かれろと教えられた。
When I was young I was taught that it's better to go along with the strong than to be stubborn.