cut down the tall poppy
To belittle or undermine someone who is perceived as superior or more successful and accomplished.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Some people love to cut down the tall poppy in their office.”
“When the young manager received a promotion, jealous colleagues tried to cut down the tall poppy by criticizing her work.”
“In a culture that values conformity above all else, the community often seeks to cut down the tall poppy who dares to stand out from the crowd.”
- 01
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 02
cut a dash
To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.
- 03
cut a deal
To reach a negotiated agreement.
- 04
cut a figure
To present an image; to make an impression.
- 05
cut a rug
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
- 06
cut a swath
Alternative form of cut a wide swath.
- 07
cut a wide swath
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
- 08
cut about
To go around (move from person to person).
Last updated August 10, 2026