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
Filippus-Dutch
IsibÉAl-Irish
Mahalah-Biblical
Quirinuskwi-RIEN-əs (English), kwi-REEN-əs (English)Roman Mythology, Late Roman
Garbi-Basque
HÅKonHAW-koonNorwegian