put something in hand—undertake a task; begin work on smth.: We have put the work in hand, and it should be completed within the next week. take something in hand— 1. = put something in hand: We are just now taking in hand a massive program for the redevelopment of the city center. 2. take […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Put something down for something and Put something down to something
put something down for something— 1. appoint a date for smth.: Singh pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting Kamran. His trial was put down for a later date. 2. (of smb.’s name) be entered into a list of participants, etc.: Lord Linley, sevenyear-old son of Princess Margaret, had had his name put down for […]
Difference between Put something back and Put something behind
put something back—delay smth. till a later time or date: The subsequent events put back the development program by some three years. put something behind— 1. = put something back: The cold weather has put the crops behind by a month. 2. try to forget smth. bad; regard smth. as no longer important: The boys […]
Difference between Put something across someone and Put something across to someone
put something across someone—(also: put something over on someone) trick a person into accepting or believing smth.: When I was young and foolish, he put it across me with a hard-luck story. put something across to someone —(also: put something over to someone) explain or communicate smth. successfully: It was an uphill struggle to put […]
Difference between Put someone’s pot on and Put the pot on
put someone’s pot on—(Austral., NZ sl.) inform against a person; destroy smb.’s prospects: I been there about the same time as you, Tom, and I haven’t had a rise yet. Wonder if Myers put my pot on. put the pot on—(UK sl.) stake a sum of money on smth. such as a sporting event, etc. […]
Difference between Put someone up for something and Put someone up to something
put someone up for something— 1. propose smb. as a candidate for a position: We’ll put him up for treasurer at the next committee meeting. 2. bring a person into court to stand trial: The jewel thieves will be put up for trial next month. Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase […]
Difference between Put someone to the acid test and Put the acid on someone
put someone to the acid test—submit smb. to a crucial test that will show his qualities: His words hit me with a jolt of truth, and after listening to him speak, I decided to put him to the acid test. put the acid on someone—(Austral., NZ sl.) exert pressure on a person (to obtain a […]
Difference between Put someone through and Put someone through it
put someone through— 1. cause smb. to go through an operation, a course of study, etc.: I was able to put all my students through, except three whose English was the weakest. 2. put smb. in touch with a person by telephone: He lifted the receiver—listened and then said: “Put her through.” put someone through […]
Difference between Put someone out of oneself and Take someone out of oneself
put someone out of oneself—overpower smb. with a strong emotional effect as to make a person helpless or ineffective: I had never faced the grim fear exactly in this shape before. It put me out of myself for a little time. take someone out of oneself—amuse or interest a person so as to distract his […]
Difference between Put someone on trial and Take someone on trial
put someone on trial—cause a person to be tried in a court of law: Four persons were put on trial as participators in the attempt. take someone on trial—see whether smb. is suitable for a job by letting the person do it for a short time: I will take the maid for a month on […]
Difference between Put someone on to someone and Put someone through to someone
put someone on to someone— 1. put smb. in touch with a person, especially by telephone: John insisted on being put on to the man in charge. 2. inform of a person’s whereabouts (so that he can be caught): Sooner or later he will be spotted in the street, and the police will be put […]
Difference between Put someone into the chair and Send someone to the chair
put someone into the chair —(also: put someone in the chair) 1. elect a person chairman: Most of the meetings were held in our Church House, and at all of them I was put into the chair. 2. nominate a person to a position of authority: A demagogue of greater talent may practically pull the […]