person a falsely high opinion of oneself: Robert didn’t become a serious painter until that fool of a teacher put ideas into his head . put cash on the barrelhead • 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 a financial commitment: Their decision to put cash on the line is a strong vote of confidence in the foundation being laid for America’s recovery. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase put it on the line—(coll.) speak out firmly and frankly (also: lay it on the line): She was very mad. She put it on the line and we have no doubt about what she meant. put down anchors • 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 down anchors . throw out the anchors—1. = put down anchors 1: When the sailors sounded fifteen fathoms, they threw out the anchors because of fear that they would end up on the rocks. 2. (coll.) suddenly apply the brakes of a car: If you need to throw out the anchors in a hurry there are large powerful all-round ven- tilated disc brakes. put it across someone • 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 smb.: They suc- ceeded in putting it across large sections of the middle classes that Labor’s economics meant financial ruin. put it across to someone—(also: put it over to someone) make smth. such as an idea, etc. understood by a person; commu- nicate smth. successfully: You may be lacking professional techniques you need to get it all down on paper and put it across to the editors. put it over on someone • 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 to be strong per- sonalities … so that there’s a tug-of-war over who’s going to put it over on the other, who’s going to get the last word. put it over to someone—(also: put it across to someone) make smth. such as an idea, etc. understood by a person; commu- nicate smth. successfully: I have tried to put it over to them that some could be without a job if we have to apply for re- election. put life into something • 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 correct- ness of that resolution and the need of putting it into life . put on the gloves • 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, it will take off the gloves . Cf.: treat someone with kidgloves—display tact and sensitivity when dealing with a person: You treat some people like second-class humans and generally expect everyone to treat you with kid - gloves . put on weight • 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 . put one’s best face on • 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. put one’s foot down • 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 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. put one’s foot in it • 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 espe- cially 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 when he puts his foot on it . put one’s hand in one’s pocket • 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 put - ting 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 left much. 2. refuse to act or accept responsibility: If he comes upon the baby playing with matches, he isn’t just supposed to put his hands in his pock - ets . put one’s hand on something • put one’s hand to something put one’s hand on something—(also: lay one’s finger on some- thing ) 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 papers. 2. (of a document) sign: Once you have put your hand to a contract, it is legally binding. put one’s hands on someone • put the arm on someone put one’s hands on someone—(also: lay one’s hands on someone) – 275 – put one’s hands on someone