cutting him down to size

Captain Finlander

Trouble with that kid, he can't forget what a big hero he was. Star quarterback ... voted Most All-Around ... Most Popular ... that one he's still bucking for. The only way to cut him down to size is to keep on him.

Commander Allison

Yeah, if he survives.

Captain Finlander

Well, I hammer too hard, you let me know.

Commander Allison

I'll try.

Captain Finlander

Yeah, it's a lot of work being a mean bastard.

Commander Allison

Hmm. Sometimes I can't help admiring how effortlessly you do it, captain. Almost as if it came naturally.

From The Bedford Incident.