put the skids on something—bring smth. to a halt: After World War II put the skids on the big band era, Louis Armstrong and many others cast about for a new direction. put the skids under something—stop smth. from succeeding or making progress: Will progressively higher interest rates put the skids under our growing economy.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Put the shoe on the other foot and Put the shoe on the right foot
put the shoe on the other foot—experience the opposite situation (when circumstances are reversed): I could put the shoe on the other foot, and think how this would effect me if we turn the tables. put the shoe on the right foot—(also: lay the saddle upon the right horse) put the blame on the right […]
Difference between Put the screws to someone and Screw someone up
put the screws to someone—put extreme pressure on a person: I know that the Department of Finance are putting the screws on the Land Commission to bring their operations to an end. screw someone up —(sl.) 1. cause harm to a person: Remember, even one hint of a rumor about this type of conduct will […]
Difference between Put the red flag out and Wave the red flag
put the red flag out—show a sign warning of danger: The new symptoms list is more of a means to put the red flag out…. Not every woman experiencing abdominal pain has cancer, of course. wave the red flag—incite to revolution or violence: They were paid by the great monopolies to wave the red flag […]
Difference between Put the lid on something and Take the lid off something
put the lid on something— 1. (also: put the tin lid on something) cause a plan, an activity, etc. to end: I sympathized with Jimmie’s desire, but I very promptly put the lid on his hopes. 2. suppress or “clamp down” on smth.: Their sexual development may have been arrested and unable to grow naturally in […]
Difference between Put the chill on someone and Put the heat on someone
put the chill on someone— 1. exert a depressing influence on a person: Export orders are falling as the winds of war put the chill on foreign buyers. 2. (U.S. sl.) ignore a person; end social contact with smb. (also: put the freeze on someone): They have put the chill on me, I presume for […]
Difference between Put the black on someone and Put up a black
put the black on soneone—(UK sl.) engage in blackmail: “I’ll put him where I want him to be,” he repeated. “You’re going to put the ‘black’ on him?” she said, her lips curling. put up a black—(UK sl.) make a blunder: One day she put up a black…. She had fried our salmon in batter.
Difference between Put something over on someone and Put something over to someone
put something over on someone—(also: put something across someone) trick a person into accepting or believing smth.: How else are they going to put this over on James Mason? He is not an idiot. put something over to someone —(also: put something across to someone) explain or communicate smth. successfully: I seem to have put […]
Difference between Put something on the map and Wipe something off the map
put something on the map —(of a town, etc.) cause to be considered important; put into public notice: It was Princess Amelia who helped put the place on the map by taking a holiday here in 1797. wipe something off the map—(of a town, etc.) completely destroy: A devastating flood several years ago nearly wiped […]
Difference between Put something on one side and Take someone on one side
put something on one side— 1. delay consideration of or postpone dealing with smth.: When we first used it, we weren’t sure how it would work out, so we only put it on one side. 2. set smth. aside for some future purpose: Anything I have left over from my week’s wages I usually put […]
Difference between Put something on foot and Put something on its feet
put something on foot—(also: set something on foot) initiate a process or action: The bishop had decided to put on foot another investigation. put something on its feet—(also: set something on its feet) make smth. economically self-supporting, especially after a period of difficulties: This summer’s good trade should put the business on its feet.
Difference between Put something in question and Put something to the question
put something in question—(also: call something into question) express serious doubts about smth.: The increase in unemployment would arouse such mass opposition that the very existence of capitalism would be put in question. put something to the question—cause smth. (of importance) to be discussed or considered: We’re having a family gathering this evening, and the […]