put the boot in

boot camp

Any short, often intensive course of training.

get the boot

To be dismissed from employment.

give someone the boot

To fire, sack, or eject someone.

not to put too fine a point on it

Used to apologize for a possibly impolite statement one is making; to put it bluntly; to express it in plain terms.

put a band-aid on a bullet wound

To inadequately treat a serious situation.

put a blanket over

Make (something) seem less serious.

put a bug in someone's ear

To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.

put a damper on

To stop people from enjoying an activity.