cut down to size

idiom

The phrase "cut down to size" is often used in informal contexts to describe actions taken to humble someone who is perceived as overly proud or arrogant.

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Definition

B2Interpersonal Relations

(informal)To make someone realize they are not as important or capable as they believe.

Example

After boasting about his achievements, he was quickly cut down to size by his colleagues.
She was cut down to size when her mistakes were pointed out in the meeting.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cut down to size":

cut down cut to pieces cut back size down cut short chop down take down a notch scale down get the chop cut into saw off cut in cut below cut up cut off shoot down cut above knock down bring down put someone in their place make down slim down keep down talk down cut out put down chop up chop off chop out lower the boom bring down on make mincemeat out of hack off beat down take down bring up short make short work of damp down argue down cut to the quick turn down trim one's sails cut across cut away come down on cut some shapes tone down