# cut down the tall poppy

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cut-down-the-tall-poppy
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To belittle or undermine someone who is perceived as superior or more successful and accomplished.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.