put through: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put through’ mean?
The idiom "put through" means to connect or transfer someone in a phone call, often by using a switchboard. It can also mean to make someone experience a difficult or challenging situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "scrape through" means to just barely succeed or pass, often with difficulty or by the smallest margin.
The idiom "scrape through" is often used to describe a situation where someone barely manages to achieve a desired outcome or success. It can be heard in colloquial speech across the United States, and has both literal and figurative meanings.
The idiom "run through" means to quickly review or discuss something, often in a casual or brief manner. It can also refer to the act of rehearsing or practicing something, such as a performance or a speech.
The idiom "ring off the hook" means that a phone is constantly ringing due to a high volume of incoming calls. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is receiving an overwhelming amount of phone calls.
The idiom "rattle through" means to quickly or hurriedly go through something, such as a list, a task, or a set of instructions, without paying much attention to the details or giving it much thought.
The idiom "put up" means to tolerate or endure a difficult situation or person. It can also refer to providing accommodations for someone temporarily.
The idiom "put up" is a versatile expression commonly used in American English. It has multiple meanings, some of which are more prevalent than others.
The idiom "put to the test" means to evaluate or assess something or someone to determine their capabilities or suitability in a specific situation or challenge.
The idiom "put to the test" is used to describe a situation in which someone or something is subjected to a trial or examination to determine their abilities, qualities, or effectiveness. This expression has been in use since the 16th century and is widely recognized in academic, professional, and personal contexts.
<p>The idiom <em>put through the wringer</em> means to subject someone or something to a difficult or challenging experience that tests their endurance or resilience. It is often used to describe being put under intense pressure or scrutiny.</p>
The idiom "put through the mangle" means to subject something or someone to a difficult or exhausting experience, often resulting in physical or emotional stress.
The idiom "put someone on to" means to introduce or make someone aware of something, usually a person or an idea.
Unlocking the Potential of "Put Through"
The idiom "put through" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It has several different meanings and can be used in various contexts.
One of the main uses of this idiom is in the context of making a telephone call. When someone says they will "put through" a call, it means they will connect the caller to the desired recipient. This usage originates from the early days of telephone communication when operators physically plugged in the corresponding wires to connect a call. Over time, this physical action was replaced by automated systems, but the idiom still persists in modern-day language.
In addition to phone calls, "put through" can also refer to completing a process or action. For example, when someone says they will "put through" an order or a request, they are indicating that they will ensure the necessary steps are taken to finalize it. This usage implies that the person speaking has the power or authority to facilitate the completion of the task.
Furthermore, "put through" can be used to describe someone who has gone through a difficult or challenging experience. This idiomatic expression suggests that the person has endured or suffered through the situation. It can be used to convey empathy or understanding towards someone who has faced adversity.
Another usage of "put through" is in the context of deception or manipulation. When someone is said to have been "put through" something, it means they have been subjected to a trick or a deceitful act. This can involve misleading or fooling someone, often for personal gain or amusement. The idiom implies that the person has been manipulated or taken advantage of in some way.
"put through the mangle" is a related idiom that builds on the concept of "put through." In this idiom, the word "mangle" refers to a machine used in the past to squeeze water out of clothes. When someone is "put through the mangle," it means they have endured a strenuous or difficult experience, much like being squeezed or pressed. This idiom adds an extra layer of intensity to the concept of going through a challenging situation, emphasizing the physical or emotional toll it can take on a person.
"put through the wringer" is another related idiom that further emphasizes the idea of enduring a difficult experience. The word "wringer" refers to a machine used in the past to squeeze water out of wet clothes. When someone is "put through the wringer," it means they have been subjected to intense pressure or scrutiny. This idiom implies that the person has faced significant challenges or obstacles and has been metaphorically squeezed or tested, much like clothes being wrung out to remove excess water.
On the other hand, "come through" is a related idiom that focuses on the outcome or result of a challenging experience. When someone "comes through" a difficult situation, it means they have successfully navigated it or emerged from it. This idiom implies strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles. It can be used to commend or acknowledge someone's achievements or the positive outcome of their efforts.
Finally, "go through with" is a related idiom that relates to following through on a planned action or decision, regardless of any difficulties or reservations. When someone "goes through with" something, it means they have carried out the intended course of action, despite any obstacles or doubts. This idiom emphasizes determination, commitment, and the willingness to see something through to the end.
The idiom "put through" has multiple meanings and can be used in different contexts. It can refer to connecting a phone call, completing a process, enduring a difficult experience, or being deceived. These various uses demonstrate the flexibility and versatility of idiomatic expressions in the English language. While we have explored the known facts about this idiom, there may still be undiscovered nuances or metaphorical interpretations to be explored.
Example usage
Examples:
- He called the customer service line to put through his complaint.
- The receptionist put through the important call to the CEO.
- She asked the clerk to put through the payment for her order.
Analysis:
The idiom "put through" is often used when referring to the action of connecting or transferring someone or something through a system or process.
In the first example, the customer is trying to put through his complaint by contacting the customer service line. This implies that he wants his complaint to be processed and addressed.
The second example mentions a receptionist putting through an important call to the CEO. Here, "put through" means to connect the call so that the CEO can receive it.
In the final example, the customer requests the clerk to put through the payment for her order. This means that she wants the payment transaction to be processed.
More "Verb" idioms
