put (something) to sleep

put (something) to sleep

1. To kill an animal via euthanasia so as not to cause pain. The poor dog was so old that the only thing I could do was put it to sleep. It couldn't even walk anymore.
2. To put an electronic device, such as a computer or phone, into standby while not in use. Be sure to put the computer to sleep when you're finished so you don't waste electricity.
See also: put, sleep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put (someone or an animal) to sleep

 
1. to cause someone or an animal to sleep, perhaps through drugs or anesthesia. The doctor put the patient to sleep before the operation. I put the cat to sleep by stroking its tummy.
2. Euph. to kill someone or an animal. We had to put our dog to sleep. The robber said he'd put us to sleep forever if we didn't cooperate.
See also: put, sleep

put someone to sleep

 
1. to bore someone. That dull lecture put me to sleep. Her long story just put me to sleep.
2. Go to put someone or an animal to sleep.
See also: put, sleep
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

put to sleep

1. Bore utterly, as in That show put me to sleep. This hyperbolic term implies that something is so dull one could fall asleep.
2. Kill, especially as a kindness, as in We had to put the cat to sleep. This euphemism dates from the mid-1900s.
3. Subject to anesthesia, as in This injection will put you to sleep so you won't feel any pain.
See also: put, sleep
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

put something to sleep

1 kill (an animal, especially an old, sick, or badly injured one) painlessly. euphemistic 2 put (a computer) on standby while it is not being used.
See also: put, sleep, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

put to sleep

1. To make weary; bore.
2. To subject to euthanasia.
3. To subject to general anesthesia.
See also: put, sleep
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • put something to sleep
  • kip down
  • not get a wink of sleep
  • not sleep a wink
  • sleep a wink, not
  • sleep around the clock
  • lose sleep about (someone or something)
  • lose sleep over (someone or something)
  • (I've) got to go home and get my beauty sleep
  • beauty