[put on] {v. phr.}
1. To dress in.
* /The boy took off his clothes and put on his pajamas./* /Mother put a coat on the baby./
2a. To pretend; assume; show.
* /Mary isn't really sick; she's only putting on./* /He put on a smile./* /The child was putting on airs./
2b. To exaggerate; make too much of.
* /That's rather putting it on./
Compare: LAY IT ON. 3. To begin to have more (body weight); gain (weight).
* /Mary was thin from sickness, and the doctor said she must put on ten pounds./* /Too many sweets and not enough exercise will make you put on weight./
4a. To plan and prepare; produce; arrange; give; stage.
* /The senior class put on a dance./* /The actor put on a fine performance./
4b. To make (an effort).
* /The runner put on an extra burst of speed and won the race./
5. To choose to send; employ on a job.
* /The school put on extra men to get the new building ready./
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