cuts down to size
Takes down arrogant
To cut someone down to size is to deflate their ego or reduce their inflated sense of importance.
The phrase implies someone has grown too big for their station and needs humbling: The new boss thought she was untouchable until the board cut her down to size.
The image is of trimming something back to appropriate proportions.
- deflateRelease air from
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- public shamingCommunal reputational punishment
- undermineWeaken by stealth
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
discredit · expose · embarrassment · put in place · arrogance · big head · overconfidence · rebuke · harsh words · criticize · self-awareness · modesty · demote · diminish · bruised ego · reprimand · vulnerability · workplace dynamics
cuts down to sizeputs on a pedestal
Idealizes someone unrealistically
elevates · aggrandizes · exalts · glorifies · lionizes
cuts down to sizelauds
Expresses high admiration
extols · talks up · butters up · brown-noses
cuts, cutting, cutter, cutters, down, downed, downing, downs, downer