know one's place — To understand and accept the social position, rank, or limits of behavior that are expected of you, especially in a hierarchy.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To understand and accept the social position, rank, or limits of behavior that are expected of you, especially in a hierarchy.
Pronunciation (IPA): /noʊ wʌnz pleɪs/
Example Sentences
- In the office, the new intern quickly learned to know his place and stopped correcting the CEO in meetings.
- My cat clearly doesn't know its place—it sits on the throne-like chair while I sit on the floor.
- "Know your place!" shouted the drill sergeant, though the recruit had only asked for a sandwich.
know one's place
VERB[/noʊ wʌnz pleɪs/]
To understand and accept the social position, rank, or limits of behavior that are expected of you, especially in a hierarchy.
The new intern learned to know one's place after interrupting the senior partners.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Originates from medieval feudal society, where servants and lower-ranked people had to understand their social rank and behave accordingly to avoid punishment.
Breakdown
know (to understand) + one's (possessive) + place (social position/rank)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“In the office, the new intern quickly learned to know his place and stopped correcting the CEO in meetings.”
“My cat clearly doesn't know its place—it sits on the throne-like chair while I sit on the floor.”
“"Know your place!" shouted the drill sergeant, though the recruit had only asked for a sandwich.”
“She refused to know her place and eventually became the company's first female CEO.”
📚Related Words
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