P
Idioms beginning with "P"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of P:
[put one through one's paces] {v. phr.}
To train and discipline someone; test one's abilities.
The new recruits were certainly put through their paces by the drill sergeant.
[put one wise] {v. phr.}
To bring one up-to-date; inform someone; explain.
Our old friend David put us wise as to where the best used cars could be found in Chicago.
[put one's back to it] {v. phr.}
To make a real effort; to try.
You can finish the job by noon if you put your back to it.
I'm sure you can make the football team if you put your back to it.
[put one's best foot forward] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To try to make a good impression; try to make a good appearance; do one's best.
During courtship, it is natural to put your best foot forward.
* /When Ted applied for the job he put his best foot […]
[put one's finger on] also [lay one's finger on] {v. phr.}
To find exactly.
The engineers couldn't put their fingers on the reason for the rocket's failure to orbit.
* /We called in an electrician hoping he could put a finger on the cause of the […]
[put one's foot down] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To take a decided stand; be stubborn in decision.
John didn't want to practice his piano lesson, but his teacher put his foot down.
* /When it came to smoking pot at parties, our parents put their foot […]
[put one's foot in it] or [put one's foot in one's mouth] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To speak carelessly and rudely; hurt another's feelings without intending to; make a rude mistake.
* /He put his foot in it with his remark about self-made men because […]