How Do You Spell TAKEN DOWN A PEG?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪkən dˌa͡ʊn ɐ pˈɛɡ] (IPA)

The phrase "taken down a peg" means to humiliate or deflate someone who is overly proud or arrogant. It is spelled as /teɪkən daʊn ə pɛɡ/ in IPA transcription. The word "taken" is pronounced as /teɪkən/, while "down" is pronounced as /daʊn/. The final part of the phrase, "a peg", is pronounced as /ə pɛɡ/. This phrase can be traced back to the days of sailing, where a ship's flag would be lowered or "taken down a peg" to show a lower rank or status.

TAKEN DOWN A PEG Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "taken down a peg" is an idiomatic expression that implies a person's ego or pride being humbled or diminished. It refers to the act of figuratively lowering someone's self-importance or arrogance. When someone is "taken down a peg," they are reminded or shown that they are not as superior or exceptional as they believe themselves to be.

   The phrase has its origins in nautical terminology, where a peg was used as a reference point to hoist flags. Ships had multiple pegs, each representing different ranks or levels of importance. To "take someone down a peg" meant to lower their flag or insignia from a higher-ranked peg to a lower one, symbolizing their reduced status or authority.

   In contemporary usage, "taken down a peg" is mostly a metaphorical expression. It can occur when someone receives criticism, experiences failure or embarrassment, or is confronted with their limitations or mistakes. This figurative dismantling can sometimes serve as a reality check or a reminder of one's fallibility. It often serves the purpose of humbling an individual and reigning in their overconfidence or arrogance.

   Overall, "taken down a peg" vividly captures the notion of someone's self-esteem being deflated or their self-perception brought back to a more realistic level. The phrase underscores the importance of remaining modest and recognizing one's limitations amidst personal accomplishments or positions of authority.

Common Misspellings for TAKEN DOWN A PEG

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Idioms with the word TAKEN DOWN A PEG

• be taken down a peg (or two) The idiom "be taken down a peg (or two)" means to be humbled or brought back to a more appropriate level or position, especially when one's arrogance or superiority is undeserved. It implies that someone's pride or overconfidence will be reduced or corrected through criticism, rebuke, or the realization of their own limitations.