know one's place

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.

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.

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

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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.

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And, for a race which has as good reason as the English for pride in its ability to stand firm, to "know one's place" is a great thing to boast of.

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

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