A-Z Database
South African informal for hurry up, get a move on, perhaps from the allusion to accelerator pedal in a car, dates from the 1950s.
see Put flesh on the bones of something
Show outward resolve and courage despite inner misgivings, dates from the mid-19th century.
see Airs and graces
see Thinking cap
When someone says, 'I'm putting my foot down' they are using an expression that could have several meanings depending on the context. If, for example,...
Somewhat belatedly, begin to move or take action, American slang from the 1950s, soon adopted in Britain thereafter.
Put one’s back into it is to make a strenuous effort, from the allusion of using the strength of one’s back in physical labour, dates from the late 19...
To put one's best foot forward is a metaphor for making the best possible start in any endeavour. Shakespeare used a similar version, but did not coin...
To make a mistake or get into trouble dates from the 1500s when the expression used to be the bishop or some other member of the clergy has ‘put their...
Put oneself in a potentially dangerous situation or face up to something bravely, derives from circus lion-tamers’ practice of literally putting their...
see Nose out of joint
see Get one’s skates on
See Dip / put / stick one’s toe / toes in the water
To identify or explain something with precision or certainty, often used in the negative, dates from the late 19th century