ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put someone in their place

idiom
Meaning

To remind someone of their position.


Examples
SIMPLE

He was rude, so she put him in his place.

CONTEXTUAL

When the new employee started acting like the boss, the manager quickly put him in his place.

COMPLEX

The veteran actor felt insulted by the director's arrogance and decided it was time to put him in his place with a sharp, public correction.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    better place

    Heaven; happiness after death.

  4. 04

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  5. 05

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  6. 06

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  8. 08

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

Last updated April 17, 2026