Take down a notch

DEMOTE

["**Hint:** *Lower in rank, perhaps at work.*\n\nThis hint suggests a workplace context where someone might be moved to a less senior position, guiding the solver toward the idea of demotion without directly stating it."]

The clue **"Take down a notch"** leads to the answer **"DEMOTE"** through both literal and figurative meanings. - **Literal Meaning**: "Take down a notch" can imply lowering someone's rank or position, which aligns with the definition of "demote" (to reduce someone to a lower rank or less prestigious position). - **Wordplay**: The phrase "a notch" suggests a step or level, reinforcing the idea of moving downward in hierarchy. Thus, the clue cleverly hints at the answer by describing the action of demotion in a more colloquial way.