Idiomatic expressions with put

The word put is used in a large number of idiomatic expressions. Each sentence given below contains an incomplete idiom or phrasal verb. Supply the word or phrase that would complete the expression.

1. Rahul, put a .................................. in it! Can you not see that I am listening to the radio?

2. She never missed even a single opportunity to put me ................................... and that was the reason we decided to part ways.

3. I wish you would not put your ........................................ in where it is not wanted.

4. My neighbour likes to put on the ................................... in front of me.

5. They put him ..................................... for fourteen years but that did not reform him.

Answers

1. Rahul, put a cork in it! Can you not see that I am listening to the radio?

2. She never missed even a single opportunity to put me down and that was the reason we decided to part ways.

3. I wish you would not put your nose in where it is not wanted.

4. My neighbour likes to put on the dog in front of me.

5. They put him away for fourteen years but that did not reform him.

Explanation

The expression ‘Put a cork in it’ means ‘keep quiet’.

To put someone down is to criticize him or her.

To put your nose in is to interfere in someone’s business.

‘To put on the dog’ is to try to seem richer than you really are.

To put someone away is to send him or her to prison.