know one's place

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

It’s hard to imagine any act of creativity that doesn’t, in some way, express the fundamental desire to have a future, and to know one’s place in it.

From Washington Post • Mar. 13, 2020

"It is good to know one's place," said the doctor.

From Say and Seal, Volume II by Warner, Susan

Better! yes, it must be better," said Hardy; "at any rate the youngsters there are marchers and fighters; besides, one would be in the ranks and know one's place.

From Tom Brown at Oxford by Hughes, Thomas

As soon as one dares to reckon on Him—le bon Dieu strikes—just to let one know one's place.

From The History of David Grieve by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.