put in one's place
put in one's place {v. phr.}, {informal}
To criticize someone for impolite boldness; remind someone of low rank or position; reduce someone's unsuitable pride; deflate.
The assistant was trying to take command when the professor put him in his place by saying, "No, I'm the boss here."
She was a teacher who could put a troublemaker in his place with just a glance.
Syn.: CUT DOWN TO SIZE.
Categories:
Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms