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

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.