cut (someone or something) down to size
cut (someone or something) down to size
1. To criticize one in an attempt to deflate their ego. A: "That guy always dominates the class discussion with his rambling, inane thoughts like he's some genius." B: "I know! It's time to cut him down to size."
2. To minimize the importance of something. We need to cut the board down to size before they continue their pattern of overreach.
See also: cut, down, size
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
cut someone down to size
COMMON If you cut someone down to size, you do or say something which shows that they are less important or impressive than they think they are. It is time the big bosses were cut down to size. They are the ones to blame for much of the country's economic misery. If he starts bragging he'll soon be cut down to size by the women in this office.
See also: cut, down, size, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
cut someone down to size
deflate someone's exaggerated sense of self-worth. informalSee also: cut, down, size, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
cut somebody down to ˈsize
show that somebody is less important than they seem or think: Failing his exams has certainly cut him down to size.See also: cut, down, size, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
cut (someone) down to size
To deflate the self-importance of (someone).
See also: cut, down, size
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- cut down to size
- cut somebody down to size
- cut someone down to size
- take (one) down to size
- verbal diarrhea
- needle (one) about (something)
- yap away about (someone or something)
- yap on (and on) about (someone or something)
- follow (one's) lead
- follow lead