What does it mean: "To put somebody in his place"?

Answer 1

It means to bring them back down to earth, to give you another idiom. :o)

Basically, if someone is acting high-and-mighty, or is acting badly, or is stating something incorrect or slanted, "putting them in their place" would involve contradicting them with what you observe to be the truth. Therefore, instead of being on a pedestal or podium, you have restored them to their rightful place (in your opinion) as a commoner like the rest of us.

Answer 2

Basically, it is when someone does or says something hurtful/disrespectful/etc... to you, and you let them know that you are not having it!

Here is an example of a conversation between two co-workers where one was put in her place.

CW #1 "Why are you always late? You are late to work everyday!"

CW #2 "You are not my boss, so don't worry about it! Instead of you worrying about me being late, you need to worry about meeting your daily quota's so you can get a promotion like the one I am getting!"

Co-worker 1 got put in her place!

Answer 3

In the wild, pack animals such as wolves live by a hierarchy. This way, everyone has a place in society and not running amok. By putting someone in his place, you are letting them know where they belong in this hierarchy. Wolves and dogs do this by establishing dominance, deciding who is the alpha male, beta male, etc.

Answer 4

It means to show them who is boss. Let them know your are not playing around and whatever the matter is, it is unacceptable to you.

Answer 5

this means when somebody is thinking that he owes smthg but he really not .......he just has a misconception so to tell him wht exactly he is is what it means !! "EVERYBODY AT IT'S OWN PLACE"

Answer 6

to tell someone off, to give him a piece of your mind.