ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put someone under

idiom
Meaning

To anesthetize someone or render them unconscious through the use of narcotic substances, usually either alcohol or pharmaceutical drugs.


Examples
SIMPLE

The doctor will put you under for the surgery.

CONTEXTUAL

The anesthesiologist explained the process before they put the patient under for the long operation.

COMPLEX

Despite his intense fear of medical procedures, he eventually consented to let the surgeons put him under to repair his damaged shoulder.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

  8. 08

    cry someone a river

    To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.

Last updated April 17, 2026