put the boot in

put the boot in
   to disrupt or upset through offensive behaviour or the threat of violence
   Literally, what a ruffian may do when he has knocked you down. Figuratively of any harmful or dishonest action:
    Leseter's success with the horses was achieved by 'putting in the boot' — fixing the races. (Evans-Pritchard, 1997)
   or of deliberately making a hurtful remark:
    Mrs Lupey says living successfully in a family is largely a matter of timing, and, I must say, I picked exactly the right moment to put the boot in. (Fine, 1989)

How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. . 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • put the boot in — or put in the boot (informal) 1. To resort to physical or verbal bullying 2. To attack unfairly 3. To bring a situation to an end brutally • • • Main Entry: ↑boot …   Useful english dictionary

  • put the boot in — ► put the boot in Brit. informal kick or attack someone when they are already on the ground. Main Entry: ↑boot …   English terms dictionary

  • put the boot in — British, informal 1. to make a bad situation worse. He lost his job and then his wife put the boot in by announcing she was leaving him. (British, informal) 2. to attack someone by kicking them again and again, usually when they are lying on the… …   New idioms dictionary

  • put the boot in Brit. — put the boot in Brit. informal kick or attack someone when they are already on the ground. → boot …   English new terms dictionary

  • put the boot in — vb British a. to kick (someone). An expression used by skinheads of the late 1960s as part of their repertoire (along with aggro, bother and put the nut on). b. to attack someone figuratively, particularly when they are already under attack,… …   Contemporary slang

  • to put the boot in — Brit informal 1 : to treat someone in a cruel or critical way 2 : to kick someone again and again • • • Main Entry: ↑boot …   Useful english dictionary

  • put the boot in — verb a) To kick a fallen opponent. b) To kick someone when they are down …   Wiktionary

  • Put the boot in — 1. attack savagely by kicking; 2. attack without restraint; 3. take unfair advantage …   Dictionary of Australian slang

  • put the boot in — Australian Slang 1. attack savagely by kicking; 2. attack without restraint; 3. take unfair advantage …   English dialects glossary

  • put the boot in —  1. Take vigorously decisive action (usu. unpleasant).  2. Kick. Attack person by kicking …   A concise dictionary of English slang

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