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

put one’s foot in it • put one’s foot on it
put one’s foot in it—(coll.) do or say smth. stupid, especially
unintentionally: Just when Nan needed to be handled espe-
cially carefully, Tim had elected to put his foot in it.
put one’s foot on it—(coll.) accelerate when driving a car (also:
put one’s foot down): I don’t like driving fast, so I get really
afraid when he puts his foot on it.
put one’s hand in one’s pocket • put one’s hands in
one’s pockets
put one’s hand in one’s pocket—be ready to spend or provide
money: There are other ways of being generous, besides put-
ting your hand in your pocket.
put one’s hands in one’s pockets —
1
. = put one’s hand in one’s
pocket: We may have to put our hands in our pockets — I don’t
suppose old Frank has left much. 2. refuse to act or accept
responsibility: If he comes upon the baby playing with
matches, he isn’t just supposed to put his hands in his pock-
ets.
put one’s hand on something • put one’s hand to
something
put one’s hand on something —(also: lay one’s finger on some-
thing ) find or locate smth.: I’m afraid I can’t put my hand on
your letter just at the moment.
put one’s hand to something —
1
. undertake a task; engage in
smth.: After her husband died, she put her hand to the job of
sorting out his papers. 2. (of a document) sign: Once you have
put your hand to a contract, it is legally binding.
put one’s hands on someone • put the arm on
someone
put one’s hands on someone —(also: lay one’s hands on someone)
– 275 –
put one’s hands on someone

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1
. seize or arrest a person: The police will soon put their hands
on the jewel thieves. 2. physically abuse a person: If I could
put my hands on the swine who informed on me, he wouldn’t
do any more spying for a long time.
put the arm on someone —(coll.) 
1
. demand money, etc. of a
person: The lights on the football field need to be replaced.
So they put the arm on the alumni, raise enough money, and
get the job done. 2. apply pressure to a person: Pett has put
the arm on him for a show of solidarity, which Sam elected
to promise, evidently without meaning to.