put up to


put (one) up to (something)

To cause, persuade, or pressure one to do or engage in something considered mischievous, ill considered, or malicious. He was always putting his younger brother up to playing pranks on other people. No one put me up to it—I just really wanted to get a tattoo.See also: put, up

put someone up to something

to cause someone to do something; to give someone the idea of doing something. Who put you up to throwing the party? Nobody put me up to it. I thought it up myself.See also: put, up

put (someone) up to

To cause to commit a funny, mischievous, or malicious act: My older brother put me up to making a prank telephone call.See also: put, up