be somebody's place to do something

be (one's) place (to do something)

To be something that one can or should rightfully do, due to having the proper authority or relationship. Often used in the negative to mean the opposite. I know you're just trying to help, but it's not your place to discipline my kids. As much as I want to tell my neighbors how to care for their home, I know it's not my place to.See also: place

(not) be somebody’s ˈplace to do something

not have the right to do something, for example to criticize somebody, suggest something, etc: ‘Why didn’t you tell him?’ ‘It wasn’t my place to.’ ♢ He told his secretary that it wasn’t her place to question what he said.See also: place, something