Take someone down a peg: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Take someone down a peg” mean?

"Take someone down a peg" means to humble or deflate someone's ego or pride.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After his arrogant behavior, it was time to take him down a peg.

Example

She always brags about her accomplishments, but I'm going to take her down a peg.

Example

The boss's criticism really took him down a peg and made him rethink his approach

Is “Take someone down a peg” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Take someone down a peg” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Take someone down a peg” effectively in context?

You can use "Take someone down a peg" to describe the act of humbling or deflating someone's ego or pride. It implies bringing someone down to a lower level of importance or superiority. For example, if someone is being arrogant or boastful, you might say, 'It's time to take him down a peg and remind him that he's not as great as he thinks he is.'

• 1. Dealing with Arrogance

  After his arrogant behavior, it was time to take him down a peg.

• 2. Responding to Bragging

  She always brags about her accomplishments, but I'm going to take her down a peg.

• 3. Reevaluating Approach

  The boss's criticism really took him down a peg and made him rethink his approach.

Similar phrases to “Take someone down a peg”:

Knock someone off their high horse

To humble or deflate someone's ego or pride

Example

His failure in the competition knocked him off his high horse.

Bring someone down to earth

To humble or make someone more realistic or practical

Example

Her harsh criticism brought him down to earth and made him realize his mistakes.

Cut someone down to size

To humble or diminish someone's self-importance

Example

Her sarcastic comment cut him down to size and made him realize he wasn't as important as he thought.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Take someone down a peg” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Take someone down a peg" is unknown.

Is “Take someone down a peg” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Take someone down a peg" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the act of humbling or deflating someone's ego or pride.

What tone does “Take someone down a peg” have?

"Take someone down a peg" conveys a tone of assertiveness and authority. It is often used to address arrogance or boastfulness and assert a sense of equality or fairness.

Can “Take someone down a peg” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Take someone down a peg" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various social contexts to address issues of ego or pride. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, or even in professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'It's time to take him down a peg and remind him of his place.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He needs to be taken down a peg!' to imply the need for humbling someone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• humble
• deflate someone's ego
• put someone in their place
• lower someone's pride

Antonyms

• boost someone's ego
• inflate someone's pride
• praise someone excessively
• elevate someone's status