put one’s hands on someone —(also: lay one’s hands on someone) 1. seize or arrest a person: The police will soon put their hands on the jewel thieves. 2. physically abuse a person: If I could put my hands on the swine who informed on me, he wouldn’t do any more spying for a long […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between Put one’s hand on something and Put one’s hand to something
put one’s hand on something—(also: lay one’s finger on something) find or locate smth.: I’m afraid I can’t put my hand on your letter just at the moment. put one’s hand to something— 1. undertake a task; engage in smth.: After her husband died, she put her hand to the job of sorting out his […]
Difference between Put one’s hand in one’s pocket and Put one’s hands in one’s pockets
put one’s hand in one’s pocket—be ready to spend or provide money: There are other ways of being generous, besides putting your hand in your pocket. put one’s hands in one’s pockets— 1. = put one’s hand in one’s pocket: We may have to put our hands in our pockets—I don’t suppose old Frank has […]
Difference between Put one’s foot in it and Put one’s foot on it
put one’s foot in it—(coll.) do or say smth. stupid, especially unintentionally: Just when Nan needed to be handled especially carefully, Tim had elected to put his foot in it. put one’s foot on it—(coll.) accelerate when driving a car (also: put one’s foot down): I don’t like driving fast, so I get really afraid […]
Difference between Put one’s foot down and Put one’s foot to the floor
put one’s foot down—(coll.) 1. take up a firm stand on an issue: One of the best things Pope John Paul II has done is to put his foot down about women priests. 2. (also: put one’s foot on it) accelerate when driving a car: I put my foot down and the Zephyr gathered speed […]
Difference between Put one’s best face on and Put one’s face on
put one’s best face on—assume as pleasant an appearance or manner as possible: She was not a very gracious person but before her aunt Matilda she always put her best face on. put one’s face on—(coll.) put on make-up: I’ve got to go upstairs and put my face on, very quickly.
Difference between Put on weight and Put the weight
put on weight—(of a person) become heavier, fatter: I have to go on a diet because I’ve been putting on a little weight lately. put the weight—(Sport) put the shot (throw a heavy iron ball): Toe-board—a board marking the limit of the thrower’s run in putting the weight.
Difference between Put on the gloves and Take off the gloves
put on the gloves—prepare to engage in a serious debate, argument, etc.: When you have the guts to debate the issues on merit instead of intolerance, I’m ready to put on the gloves. take off the gloves—argue, compete, or deal with smb. harshly: The government has made clear that if any academic challenges government policy, […]
Difference between Put life into something and Put something into life
put life into something—(also: bring something to life) make smth. more lively or interesting: I’m glad she’s coming, she’ll put life into this dull party. put something into life—fulfill smth. planned; carry smth. into effect: The outcome of this election confirms the correctness of that resolution and the need of putting it into life.
Difference between Put it over on someone and Put it over to someone
put it over on someone— 1. (also: put it across someone) trick a person into believing smth.; deceive or fool smb.: Funny, the way the little man tried to put it over on us, letting on he was just puzzled—not really bothered, as he plainly was. 2. excel or surpass a person: Both parties have […]
Difference between Put it across someone and Put it across to someone
put it across someone— 1. get even with a person (by way of retribution or punishment): I was glad that I had put it across him. My pride was involved. There are some remarks which one does not forgive. 2. (also: put it over on someone) trick a person into believing smth.; deceive or fool […]
Difference between Put down anchors and Throw out the anchors
put down anchors— 1. moor a ship by lowering its anchors: It is illegal to put down anchors because it upsets the ecosystem that the park is trying to protect. 2. become firmly established at a place: But if you are into nursing, law, or own a business, then you develop roots and you put […]