How to Pronounce "knock down to size"
expression
ˈnɑk/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈsaɪz
NAHK DOWN tuh SYZ
nˈɒk/ /dˈaʊn/ /tˈuː/ /sˈaɪz
NOK DOWN tuh SYZ
Definition
To show someone that they are not as important, skilled, or impressive as they think; to humble someone.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈnɑk/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈsaɪz
British English
nˈɒk/ /dˈaʊn/ /tˈuː/ /sˈaɪz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
NAHK DOWN tuh SYZ
UK
NOK DOWN tuh SYZ
Listen in Context
After winning the game, Tom acted arrogant, so his coach decided to knock him down to size.
Sometimes, people need to be knocked down to size when they act too proud.
She was praised too much at work and needed to be knocked down to size.
That guy needed to be knocked down to size after bragging so much about his promotion.