put one in place

put (one) in (one's) place

To humble or lower the dignity of one; to make one aware that they are not as important, respected, influential, etc., as they think. The teacher really put John in his place, scolding him so harshly that he burst into tears. I hope this guilty verdict puts that rat of a CEO in his place.See also: place, put

put one in one's place

to rebuke someone; to remind one of one's (lower) rank or station. The boss put me in my place for criticizing her. Then her boss put her in her place for being rude.See also: one, place, put