Hello,



I'm translating a book by an Australian writer Karen Viggers, "The Grass Castle", and I've come across an expression I can't seem to find an explanation for. I suspect it means "to put someone in their place", but would really like to hear what you think so that I can be perfectly sure.



Abby, one of the main characters, is witnessing an argument between her father, Steve, and her step-mother, Brenda. Brenda is being really mean to Steve, and Abby is silently taking sides with her father. The sentence goes like this:



"She can think of many scathing things to say, insults that would put Brenda back in her box, such as: 'you old bitch, you're only in this for a farm', or 'did you know they crucified the last person who was as perfect as you?'"



I'd be very grateful for your suggestions.



stargazer