know one's place



know one's place

Behave suitably for one's position, rank, or status. This idiom often has the sense of "to behave humbly, not criticize ones' superiors," as in Sorry, I know my place and I can't tell you more about my supervisor's plans. [Late 1500s] Also see put one in one's place.
See also: know, place

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Gunter-German
TinoTEE-noItalian
Ognjan-Croatian, Serbian
Meyer-Hebrew
Anan (1)-Western African, Akan
Maggie['mægi]