cut 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." The boss really cut Sarah down to size during our production meeting. You might be feeling untouchable right now, but this industry has cut plenty of young punks like you down to size, just you wait.

2. To minimize the importance of something. We need to cut the board down to size before they continue their pattern of overreach. If you want to make it as a performer, you'll always need to cut heckling down to size. The senator cut the journalist's comments down to size, describing them later as "baseless" and "incendiary."

See also: cut, down, size, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cut (someone) down to size

To deflate the self-importance of (someone).

See also: cut, down, size, to

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.