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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.

Usage

Used when humbling someone overconfident.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

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

Used in print by the mid nineteenth century.

Related Idioms

Take the wind out of your sails

Deflate someone's momentum or confidence.

Down to the wire

Until the very last moment.

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.