to tell or show someone that they are less important than they thought: When he tried to take charge, she soon put him in his place.

put (one) in (one's) place To humble or lower the dignity of one; to make one aware that they are not as important, respected, influential, etc., as they think. The teacher really put John in his place, scolding him so harshly that he burst into tears. I hope this guilty verdict puts that rat of a CEO in his place. See also: place, put

put someone in their place (third-person singular simple present puts someone in their place, present participle putting someone in their place, simple past and past participle put someone in their place) (transitive, idiomatic) To remind someone of their position. (idiomatic) To bring somebody down; to humble or rebuke.