put · v
put (CAUSE)
B2 to cause someone or something to be in a particular condition or situation
Dictionary examples:
What put you in such a bad mood? (19.9)
I'm not prepared to put my children at risk. (25.2)
I'm looking forward to putting my ideas into practice. (29.0)
The city council has put the mayor under pressure to get this problem dealt with. (42.5)
He's been put on trial for fraud. (57.2)
put sb in a difficult position
C1 to cause someone to be in a difficult situation
Dictionary examples:
When two of your best friends argue it puts you in a very difficult position. (32.7)
put something into practice
C1 to do something in reality that has been planned or talked about
Dictionary examples:
Next month we will have a chance to put these ideas into practice. (25.2)
How do you intend to put these proposals into practice? (37.4)
put (SAY)
C2 to say something using particular words
Dictionary examples:
I need to tell him I don't like it but I don't know how to put it. (18.9)
put an end to sth
B2 to cause something to stop
Dictionary examples:
We must put an end to violence. (31.6)
put pressure on sb
B2 to try to force someone to do something
Dictionary examples:
They're putting pressure on me to make a decision. (29.7)
put your mind to it
C1 to give your full attention to something and try very hard to do it
Dictionary examples:
You could win if you put your mind to it. (18.9)
put a stop to sth
C1 to end something unpleasant
Dictionary examples:
We must put a stop to the violence. (33.8)
put sb to death
C2 to kill someone as a punishment
Dictionary examples:
She was put to death for her beliefs. (33.9)
put your finger on sth
C2 to understand exactly why a situation is the way it is
Dictionary examples:
Something was wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it. (29.0)
put sb/sth first
C2 to consider someone or something to be the most important thing
Dictionary examples:
Most couples put their children first when sorting out their problems. (37.5)
put your foot down
C2 to tell someone in a strong way that they must do something or must stop doing something
Dictionary examples:
I decided to put my foot down with my staff and insist that they do not send personal emails in work time. (75.7)
put your feet up
C2 to relax, especially by sitting with your feet supported above the ground
Dictionary examples:
Put your feet up for half an hour before the kids get home. (18.9)
put sb in their place
C2 to let someone know that they are not as important as they think they are
Dictionary examples:
He was rather arrogant, but the other kids soon put him in his place. (38.7)
put sth to one side
C2 to not use or deal with something now, but keep it for a later time
Dictionary examples:
She put the papers to one side, intending to read them later. (33.1)
put sb to death
C2 to kill someone as a punishment
Dictionary examples:
The convicted murderers will be put to death. (49.2)
put sb on the spot
C2 to ask someone a question which is difficult or embarrassing to answer at that time
Dictionary examples:
Sorry to put you on the spot, but I really need an answer. (24.4)
put your finger on sth
C2 to understand exactly why a situation is the way it is
Dictionary examples:
Something was wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it. (29.0)
put sb/sth first
C2 to consider someone or something to be the most important thing
Dictionary examples:
Most couples put their children first. (24.9)
put your foot down
C2 to tell someone in a strong way that they must do something or must stop doing something
Dictionary examples:
When she started borrowing my clothes without asking, I had to put my foot down. (59.1)
put your feet up
C2 to relax, especially by sitting with your feet supported above the ground
Dictionary examples:
Put your feet up for half an hour before the kids get home. (18.9)
put your foot in your mouth
C2 to say something you should not say, especially something embarrassing
Dictionary examples:
He makes outrageous comments and is always putting his foot in his mouth. (50.0)
put (WRITE)
A2 to write something
Dictionary examples:
She put 'Genius at work' on her door. She was sleeping. (0.0)
She put 'Do Not Eat' on the cake. Everyone ate it. (0.0)
He put 'Free Hugs' on his shirt. People ran away. (0.0)
Could you put your signature here? (17.0)
She puts her name in all her books. (17.3)
You should put your name on the list if you want to go on the school trip. (23.8)
He asked me to put more information in the proposal about the costs. (32.7)
put sth down/in/on, etc.
A1 to move something to a place or position
Dictionary examples:
I put my cat in the fridge. (0.0)
She put her phone in soup. (0.0)
She put her book in the oven. (0.0)
Put your clothes in the closet. (9.3)
She put the bag on the table. (9.6)
She put her hands over her eyes. (13.5)
Where did you put the keys? (20.8)
I put my arms around him. (22.5)