Definition & Meaning of "take somebody down a notch (or two)"

What is the origin of the idiom "take someone down a notch" and when to use it?

The idiom "take someone down a notch" is thought to have originated in the 18th century, when it was used in the context of dueling. In a duel, the goal was to kill or wound your opponent, but it was also considered acceptable to simply "take him down a notch" by wounding him slightly. Over time, this expression came to be used more generally to describe any action that is taken to humble someone who is arrogant or conceited. It can be used in a positive or negative sense, depending on the context.