Put somebody in their place
phrase
To make someone understand that they are not as important or clever as they think they are.
He was acting arrogantly, so I had to put him in his place.
Often appears as...
- need to put in place
- had to put in place
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To reposition someone or something to its correct or original location.
After using the scissors, I put them back in their place.
Often appears as...
- put things in place
- put back in place
phrase
To correct someone's behavior or attitude.
The teacher put the unruly student in his place.
Often appears as...
- teacher put in place
- manager put in place
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To make someone understand that they are not as important or clever as they think they are.
He was acting arrogantly, so I had to put him in his place.
Often appears as...
- need to put in place
- had to put in place
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To reposition someone or something to its correct or original location.
After using the scissors, I put them back in their place.
Often appears as...
- put things in place
- put back in place
phrase
To correct someone's behavior or attitude.
The teacher put the unruly student in his place.
Often appears as...
- teacher put in place
- manager put in place
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Used when someone needs reminding of their position or status, often by someone with authority or higher status.
When the intern started giving orders, the manager quickly put him in his place.
Pro Tip 2/3Confrontational Tone
May signal confrontation. Use carefully to avoid escalating conflict, especially in sensitive situations.
He was challenging the coach's decision so she put him in his place.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, this phrase can be seen as disrespectful. Know your audience before using it.
In a cross-cultural meeting, avoid saying 'put him in his place' as it might offend.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Used when someone needs reminding of their position or status, often by someone with authority or higher status.
When the intern started giving orders, the manager quickly put him in his place.
Pro Tip 2/3Confrontational Tone
May signal confrontation. Use carefully to avoid escalating conflict, especially in sensitive situations.
He was challenging the coach's decision so she put him in his place.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, this phrase can be seen as disrespectful. Know your audience before using it.
In a cross-cultural meeting, avoid saying 'put him in his place' as it might offend.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Used when someone needs reminding of their position or status, often by someone with authority or higher status.
When the intern started giving orders, the manager quickly put him in his place.
Pro Tip 2/3Confrontational Tone
May signal confrontation. Use carefully to avoid escalating conflict, especially in sensitive situations.
He was challenging the coach's decision so she put him in his place.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, this phrase can be seen as disrespectful. Know your audience before using it.
In a cross-cultural meeting, avoid saying 'put him in his place' as it might offend.
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