# put up to

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-up-to
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To encourage or trick (someone) to perform (an action which is foolish or wrong).

## Examples

- Did your brother put you up to this prank?
- I know you would never steal that sign unless someone put you up to it.
- The detective suspected that the younger boy had not acted alone, but rather that his older brother had put him up to the reckless act.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.