put daylight between oneself and someone
To increase or create distance or difference between people or objects.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The runner put daylight between himself and the other racers.”
“The candidate spoke clearly to put daylight between her own policies and those of her opponent.”
“By adopting a more moderate stance, the politician sought to put daylight between himself and the radical members of his party.”
- 01
adorn oneself with borrowed plumes
To claim the honor of another for oneself.
- 02
apply oneself
Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.
- 03
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 04
be oneself
To behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.
- 05
bear oneself
To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.
- 06
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 07
beat the daylights out of
To beat (someone) severely.
- 08
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
Last updated August 10, 2026