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 […]
Difference between Put cash on the barrelhead and Put cash on the line
put cash on the barrelhead—(also: lay cash on the barrelhead) pay money at the time of the transaction: There was a time when, if a person got sick, he went to his trusted family doctor, and put cash on the barrelhead. put cash on the line —(also: lay cash on the line) allocate money; make […]
Difference between Put an idea into someone’s head and Put ideas into someone’s head
put an idea into someone’s head— 1. make a person think of smth.: They put an idea into my head. How about having an auction at my party? 2. give smb. undesirable or harmful notions: My dear old boy, what can have put the idea into your head that Europe is against us? put ideas […]
Difference between Put a spoke in someone’s wheel and Put in one’s spoke
put a spoke in someone’s wheel—said of an action which is likely to hold back a person or proceeding: I have never hinted to Quennebert all the nasty little ways in which you have tried to put a spoke in his wheel. put in one’s spoke—attempt to give advice, or have some say, in a […]
Difference between Put a question to someone and Put someone to the question
put a question to someone—ask a person about smth.: I have been trying to put this question to the general for the last year or two—even succeeding in planting it in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. put someone to the question—(dated) subject smb. to torture as a means of obtaining confession: “Did he confess […]
Difference between Put a pistol to one’s head and Put a pistol to someone’s head
put a pistol to one’s head—commit suicide; shoot oneself: I’m blowed if I don’t put a pistol to my head, and end it, Mrs. Johnson. put a pistol to someone’s head—use threats to force a person to do smth. (also: hold a pistol to someone’s head): Last time he signed his contract after prolonged negotiations […]
Difference between Put a bee in someone’s bonnet and Put a bug in someone’s ear
put a bee in someone’s bonnet—give a person a compulsive idea that may seem excentric or odd: Mayoral candidate Marcic says his campaign has “put a bee in his bonnet” about public drinking and it is an issue he will pursue. put a bug in someone’s ear—(also: put a flea in someone’s ear) give a […]
Difference between Pussyfoot around and Tomcat around
pussyfoot around—avoid committing oneself; proceed evasively or cautiously: I think it’s great that Randi actually speaks his mind and doesn’t pussyfoot around to appease others. tomcat around—pursue women promiscuously: If he really, really, loved you he wouldn’t be tomcatting around. He wants to have a bit on the side and not go through the divorce…
Difference between Push someone’s buttons and Push the panic button
push someone’s buttons —(also: press someone’s buttons) draw a strong emotional reaction, especially anger, from a person: He knew how to push my buttons better than anyone else but I kept my cool. push the panic button—(also: press the panic button) overreact to a stressful situation: Everybody is concerned but I don’t think anybody ought […]