to let someone know that they are not as important as they think they are.
She didn't like my suggestions at all. I was put firmly in my place, like a naughty schoolgirl.
(redirected from put in their place)
be put in (one's) place
To be humbled or have one's dignity lowered (by someone); to be made aware that one is not as important, respected, influential, etc., as one thinks. John was really put in his place by the teacher, who scolded him so harshly that he burst into tears.I'd say that the billionaire CEO has been put in his place after the guilty verdict at his trial.