takes down a peg
Cuts to size
To take someone down a peg is to humble them, especially when they've become arrogant or self-important.
The expression suggests lowering someone's status or deflating their ego: The loss took the undefeated team down a peg.
Often appears as take down a peg or two.
The peg likely refers to notches marking rank or position.
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
- pecking orderSocial dominance arrangement
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- humilityFreedom from arrogance
modesty · reality check · burst bubble · leveling · reprimand · shame · public shaming · loss of face · grounding · chastisement · authority · admonishment · comeuppance · critique · equality · brought low · disappointment · deflation
takes down a pegflatters
Praises insincerely for advantage
puffs up · builds up · boosts · pumps up · butters up
takes down a pegelevates
Raises in position
raises up · exalts · glorifies · lionizes · aggrandizes
takes down a pegputs on a pedestal
Idealizes someone unrealistically
builds up · puffs up · elevates · exalts · aggrandizes
take, takes, taking, taken, taker, down, downs, downed, downing