put to bed: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put to bed’ mean?
The idiom "put to bed" means to complete or finish something, especially a task or project, and to make it ready for the next stage or for use. It often refers to the finalization or completion of work.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "seal the deal" means to finalize or secure an agreement or transaction. It implies successfully completing negotiations and reaching a binding agreement, often with a formal agreement or contract.
The idiom "run into the ground" means to exhaust or use up completely, often through overuse or mismanagement.
The idiom "put to work" means to utilize or employ someone or something for a particular purpose or task.
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 sword" means to kill or execute someone with a sword, often after a battle or as a form of punishment.
The idiom "put the wood in the hole" means to complete or finish a task or project. It is often used to emphasize the final step or action needed to achieve a desired outcome.
The idiom *put the hammer down* means to take decisive action or to enforce strict measures.
The idiom "put someone out of their misery" means to end someone's suffering or discomfort, particularly when they are experiencing a difficult or painful situation. It implies a compassionate or merciful act of helping someone escape from their distress.
The idiom "put paid to" means to end or finish something, especially in a decisive or final manner.
The idiom *put one's mind to it* means to concentrate or focus one's thoughts and efforts on a particular task or goal.
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The idiom “put to bed” is a commonly used expression in everyday conversations. It is a phrasal verb that consists of the verb “put” and the prepositional phrase “to bed.” This construction gives the idiom a specific meaning that goes beyond its literal interpretation. The main meaning of “put to bed” is to complete or finish something, often a task or a project. It signifies the act of finalizing or concluding an activity, as if tucking it into bed and ensuring its completion or resolution. It is a versatile expression that conveys the notions of completion, closure, and tranquility.
One related idiom that shares a similar meaning with “put to bed” is “put an end to.” When something is “put to bed,” it brings an end to its existence or relevance, providing closure. Similarly, “put an end to” denotes the act of stopping or concluding something, putting it to rest. Both idioms imply the notion of finality and resolution, emphasizing the completion of a process or the termination of something.
Another related idiom that can be associated with “put to bed” is “lay to rest.” Like “put to bed,” “lay to rest” suggests the act of calming or soothing a person or situation. It implies providing a sense of resolution or tranquility, as if laying an agitated situation or a troubled individual to rest. Both idioms convey the idea of bringing peace and closure to a situation or person.
While the exact origins of the idiom “put to bed” remain uncertain, its usage and meaning have become deeply ingrained in the English language. It is a commonly understood expression that captures the essence of resolving or finalizing something. Whether it is used to signify the completion of a task or to bring a sense of calm to a situation, “put to bed” is a versatile idiom that invites further exploration and interpretation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *put to bed* can be used in a sentence:
- He put the baby to bed after reading a bedtime story.
- I need to put this project to bed before the deadline.
- She finally put her worries to bed and enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep.