bring somebody/come down to earth

come down to earth

To remember or consider reality when one is fantasizing or being overly optimistic. I was excited to book a vacation, but I came down to earth when I checked my nearly-depleted bank account. Dean was thrilled to get into his dream school, but when he realized that he would have to pay for it entirely on his own, he came down to earth.See also: come, down, earth

bring someone down to earth

Fig. to help someone face reality; to help someone who is euphoric become more realistic. The events helped bring us all down to earth. I hate to be the one to bring you down to earth, but things aren't as good as you think.See also: bring, down, earth

come down to earth

 1. Lit. to arrive on earth from above. An angel came down to earth and made an announcement. 2. Fig. to become realistic; to become alert to what is going on around one. You have a fit of enthusiasm, John, but you must come down to earth. We can't possibly afford any of your suggestions.See also: come, down, earth

come down to earth

or

come down to earth with a bump

COMMON If you come down to earth or come down to earth with a bump, you suddenly have to deal with the reality of everyday life after a period of great excitement. I had a fantastic holiday but came down to earth with a bump after a day in the office. She was a household name, travelling around in fine clothes and an Italian sports car, but she came down to earth with a bump later that year. Note: You can also say that something brings you back to earth or that something brings you back down to earth with a bump. When something good does happen, it's important that it is celebrated. Next day something will happen to bring you back to earth. Circumstances beyond their control could yet bring them back down to earth with a bump. Note: Nouns such as bang, thump and thud can be used instead of bump. They were renting their dream apartment but came down to earth with a thud when they realized what sort of home they could afford to actually buy.See also: come, down, earth

bring somebody/come (back) down to ˈearth (with a ˈbang, ˈbump, etc.)

have to deal, or make somebody deal, with something unpleasant, especially after a time when things seemed to be going well or life was enjoyable: After such a wonderful trip, losing all her money certainly brought her back down to earth with a bump. ▶ ˌdown-to-ˈearth adj. (approving) sensible and practical: Even though she’s a movie star, she’s still friendly and down-to-earth.See also: bring, come, down, earth, somebody