How to Pronounce "cut down to size"
expression
ˈkət/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈsaɪz
KUT-DOWN-tuh-SIZE
kˈʌt/ /dˈaʊn/ /tˈuː/ /sˈaɪz
KUT-DOWN-too-SIZE
Definition
To show someone that they are not as important, talented, or powerful as they think they are. It means to bring someone back to a more realistic view of themselves.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkət/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈsaɪz
British English
kˈʌt/ /dˈaʊn/ /tˈuː/ /sˈaɪz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KUT-DOWN-tuh-SIZE
UK
KUT-DOWN-too-SIZE
Listen in Context
The coach cut down to size a player who thought he was the star.
Her classmates cut her down to size when she bragged too much.
Sometimes life cuts us down to size when we get too proud.
He keeps talking like he owns the place—someone needs to cut him down to size.