put about phrasal verb 1 put (something) about or put about (something) Brit : to tell many people about (something)They put about the news that he was resigning. = They put it about that he was resigning.2 a of a boat or ship : to change directionThe ship put about and sailed back out to sea.2 b put (something) about : to cause (a boat or ship) to change directiona boat that can be put about quicklyput across phrasal verb 1 put (something) across or put across (something) : to cause (something) to be clearly understood : to get (something) acrossShe has had trouble putting her message acrossto voters.2 put (yourself) across as (something) : to cause (yourself) to appear to be (a particular type of person)He tries to put himself across as =to make other people believe that he is a nice guy.put aside phrasal verb put (something) aside or put aside (something)1 : to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later timeShes been putting aside some money for a vacation.Can you put a few minutes aside for a short meeting?2 : to stop worrying or thinking about (something)We need to put these problems aside for now and get the work done.Its time to put aside our differences and start working together.put away phrasal verb 1 put (something) away or put away (something)1 a : to return (something) to the place where it belongsHe washed, dried, and put away the dishes after dinner.She put the pictures away for safekeeping.Put your notes away. Its time for the test.1 b : to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later timeHer parents started putting away money for her education the year she was born.1 c informal : to eat (a large amount of food)I used to put away huge meals before I went on a diet.That guy can really put it away!2 put (someone) away or put away (someone)informal : to cause (someone) to be kept in a prison or mental hospitalHes a vicious criminal. I hope they put him awayfor the rest of his life.put back phrasal verb put (something) back or put back (something)1 : to return (something) to the place where it belongsRemember to put the vacuum cleaner back in the closet after youve used it.The books had been put back neatly on the shelf.2 Brit : to change (a planned event) to start at a later date or timeThey put back =pushed back, postponed the game until next week.The meeting has been put back from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.put by phrasal verb put (something) by or put by (something) chiefly Brit : to save (money) for a later timeShe has put some money by =put aside for emergencies.put down phrasal verb 1 put (someone or something) down also put down (someone or something)1 a : to place (someone or something that you have been holding or carrying) on a table, on the floor, etc.She carefully put the vase down on the table.The police ordered him to put down the gun.I dont need you to carry me. Put me down!1 b : to add (someone or something) to a listDont forget to put down milk and bread on the shopping list.1 c informal : to say critical or insulting things about (someone or something)He frequently puts down her work.Her parents are always putting her down.He puts himself down a lot, but hes really quite an attractive man. see also put-down2 put (something) down or put down (something)2 a : to write (something) : to record (something) in writingShe says that the reporter put her quote downincorrectly.Every night, he puts his thoughts down in a journal.I need to put down my thoughts on paper before I forget them.What answer did you put down on the test?2 b : to give (an amount of money) as a first payment when you are buying something that costs a lot of moneyWe put 10 percent down on the house. = We put down a 10 percent deposit on the house.Put no money down and pay no interest on the car until next year.2 c : to put (something) in place on the floor or groundPutting down =installing a new hardwood floor would greatly increase the value of your home.We put down a layer of mulch in the rose garden.2 d : to stop (a violent or dangerous activity) by using forceFederal troops were brought in to help put downthe riot.put down a rebellion/revolt/uprising2 e : to kill (an animal) in a way that causes it little pain usually because it is injured or sickThey had to have their dog put down =put to sleep by the vet.2 f Brit : to end a telephone connectionShe said goodbye and put down the phone. =hung up the phoneShe put the phone down on him. =she hung up the phone while he was still talking to her2 g Brit : to formally suggest (something) as an idea to be discussed and voted on by a group of pe