A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

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.