Talk down to

Pro Tip 1/3

Power Dynamics

Used when someone asserts superiority in knowledge or status over another person.

Her manager would often talk down to her, making her feel undervalued.

Pro Tip 2/3

Disrespectful Tone

The phrase often implies a disrespectful or belittling tone.

I disliked how he would talk down to the interns, as if they couldn’t understand simple instructions.

Pro Tip 3/3

Emotional Impact

Being talked down to can make the listener feel inferior or disrespected.

She felt demoralized when her tutor talked down to her for making a mistake.