put someone in charge—cause a person to have supervision or control of smth.: The day when the editor put me in charge of a department was an important mile post. put someone on a charge —(legal) accuse a person of a particular offence: Patrick trembles with fear and relief when he thinks of Mr. Fergusson […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Put someone in and Put someone inside
put someone in— 1. employ smb. for a specific position: The post office was moved five miles to the railroad station, and they put in a new man. 2. enter smb. for an examination, contest, etc.: At first the manager refused to put me in but the fans almost started a riot, screaming to let […]
Difference between Put someone away and Put someone off
put someone away— 1. confine a person in a mental home or prison: It was like those nightmares in which the dreamer sees himself put away for lunacy. 2. (euph., of an animal) put to death: The dog Billy was dying, and in September he had to be put away. put someone off— 1. allow […]
Difference between Put out the flags and Show the flag
put out the flags—celebrate some special occasion, such as one’s victory, success, etc.: I think it is premature to put out the flags for the government’s proposals. show the flag —(also: fly the flag ) support or represent one’s country (by attending an event): The Kuwaiti team won no medals, but said they were only […]
Difference between Put oneself in someone’s shoes and Step into someone’s shoes
put oneself in someone’s shoes—(also: put oneself in someone’s place) imagine oneself to be in smb.’s position or predicament: Lest the readers think that I am being too hard on Mr. Blair, or not “putting myself in his shoes,” let me briefly explain my situation. step into someone’s shoes—succeed a person in a job, position, […]
Difference between Put oneself in someone’s place and Take the place of someone
put oneself in someone’s place —(also: put oneself in someone’s shoes) imagine oneself to be in smb.’s position or predicament: Maybe I am overreacting, but put yourself in my place. How should I explain all this to my manager? Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase put someone in his place— […]
Difference between Put one’s shoulder to the wheel and Set the wheels in motion
put one’s shoulder to the wheel—set to work vigorously contributing to a collective endeavor: I want to put my shoulder to the wheel, together with others, to help make Atlanta a better place for everyone. set the wheels in motion—get smth. started: To set the wheels in motion, the very first step is to complete […]
Difference between Put one’s seal to something and Put the seal on something
put one’s seal to something —(also: set one’s seal to something) give one’s authority to smth.: They continue to look for a replacement; a puppet leader to put his seal to a treaty of capitulation. put the seal on something —(also: set the seal on something) bring smth. to a formal end: Why not have […]
Difference between Put one’s name down for something and Put one’s name to something
put one’s name down for something— 1. apply for a position, etc.: He was called up having put his name down for the RAF and after initial training he was sent overseas. 2. promise to subscribe for a certain sum: One man after another said that he would be willing to put his name down […]
Difference between Put one’s money in something and Put one’s money on something
put one’s money in something—invest one’s money in a business in the hope of gain: People are advised not to put their money in companies where there is a high risk. put one’s money on something—(also: lay one’s money on something) 1. stake a sum of money on smth. such as a sporting event: If […]
Difference between Put one’s mind to something and Turn one’s mind to something
put one’s mind to something —(also: set one’s mind to something) devote a lot of attention to a task: He put his mind to the problem of establishing a means of supporting those who had taken the pledge of abstinence. turn one’s mind to something—begin to think seriously about smth.: I shook off my feelings […]
Difference between Put one’s heart into something and Set one’s heart on something
put one’s heart into something—do smth. with enthusiasm: As a lad, I couldn’t stick to anything—couldn’t seem to put my heart into any sort of work. set one’s heart on something—wish for smth. strongly; be determined about smth.: When once he’s set his heart on a thing he won’t rest till he gets it.