knocked down a peg
Ego got checked
Knocked down a peg means humbled or reduced in status, pride, or self-importance.
The image is of someone being lowered on a ranked scale: After his disastrous presentation, he was knocked down a peg.
Often appears as taken down a peg or brought down a peg.
The full form knocked down a peg or two emphasizes the deflation.
- reprimandedOfficially expressed disapproval
- read the riot actSeverely warn of consequences
- demotionReduction in status
- dethronedRemoved from power
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
chastened · eating humble pie · rebuked · deposed · modesty · censured · abashed · downgraded · shamed · lost face · unseated · outclassed · mortified · subdued · tail between legs · deflated · comeuppance · humiliated
deflation vs. inflation of ego
knocked down a pegpuffed up
Inflated or conceited
gassed up · flattered · buttered up · emboldened · encouraged
knock, knocked, knocking, knocks, knockdown, down, downer, downs, downed