Region: General | Usage example: The coach took him down a peg after the arrogant remark.

Take down a peg

Meaning

Reduce someone's ego or pride.

Used when humbling someone overconfident.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Medieval practice of lowering a peg to shrink height or rank, metaphorically deflating pride.

Used in print by the mid nineteenth century.