1
general::
Phrase(s): put something out
1. to emit something. • The factory put a lot of fumes out. • It put out nasty fumes. 2. to extinguish something on fire. • He used flour to put the grease fire out. • He put out the fire with flour. 3. to manufacture or produce something. • That factory puts electrical supplies out. • We put out some very fine products. 4. to publish something. • When was this book put out? • We put out both books last year., Phrase(s): put someone out
to distress or inconvenience someone. • I’d like to have a ride home, but not if it puts you out. • Don’t worry. It won’t put out anybody., Phrase(s): put an animal out
to send an animal, such as a pet, outdoors. • Did you put the cat out? • Yes, I put out the cat., Phrase(s): put out (about someone or something)
irritated; bothered. • John behaved rudely at the party, and the hostess was quite put out. • Liz was quite put out about the question., Phrase(s): put oneself out
to inconvenience oneself. • I just don’t know why I put myself out for you! • No, I did not put myself out at all. It was no trouble, in fact., Phrase(s): put out
to generate [lots of something]. • What a great machine. It really puts out! • The new laser printer really puts out!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Extinguish, as in We put out the fire before we turned in. [Early 1500s] 2. Also, put to sea. Leave a port or harbor, as in They put out yesterday morning. [Late 1500s] 3. Publish, as in They put out a weekly newsletter. [Early 1500s] 4. Engage in sex. This usage is applied solely to women, as in She had a reputation for putting out. [Vulgar slang; mid-1900s] Also see PUT ONE OUT.
American Heritage Idioms