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Difference between Put one’s foot down and Put one’s foot to the floor

admin Confusing Phrases

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 up the slope.

put one’s foot to the floor — = put one’s foot down 2:

  • Jerome jerked the steering wheel hard while putting his foot to the floor.

See also: get one’s feet under the table / put one’s feet up.