know your place

know (one's) place

To be aware of the limit of one's role in a particular place or situation. I know my place, so I don't bother the CEO when I see him around the office. I'm just an intern, after all.
See also: know, place
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

know your ˈplace

behave in a way that shows that you know what your social position is and which people are more important than you: My grandfather believed that life was simpler when he was young, when everybody knew their place.
See also: know, place
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • know (one's) place
  • know one's place
  • know place
  • keep (one's) place
  • keep place
  • be out
  • be out in bloom
  • barrel in
  • barrel in(to)
  • fly off
References in periodicals archive
THE idea that a Government minister can allegedly tell a man whose duty it is to protect them, that he is a "pleb" and to "know your place" and then for the Conservatives to say, as they did on these pages on October 15, what does it matter, really shows the attitude that is prevalent in the party.
Tories trapped in the 18th century; Views of the North
This comment is based more on the outdated class prejudice of "know your place" than any real facts.
Letter: Your view - Class act
The General Election is on the way So I thought I'd show my face I always know just what to say And you, you know your place. I'll hold your baby in my arms And you can all say aahh!
You say: Your Poem - The MP
IT'S always handy to know your place. A team of UK-led investors has set up a new global sports company, known as Nobok, with the stated aim of ``giving fans unrivalled access to sporting legends''.
No place for racings her oes on new spor ting legends website
He is outstandingly undistinguished," said The Mail On Sunday, straight from the Working Class Know Your Place school of thought.
Brian Reade Column: Robbie Williams
Know your place -give dinner parties a fun ice breaking twist with a set of eight novelty place card bricks (pounds 20, from Bombay Duck, 0208 749 8001 or www.bombayduck.
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