A phrase invented by comedian Patton Oswald. Since many comedians have capitalized on their own catch phrases like "git-r-done" and "you know you're a redneck when" he decided to make up a meaningless phrase as his calling card. I have actually been hearing the phrase on the radio lately as a euphemism for having sex.
by DwightB April 24, 2006

A word or phrase people think of to avoid the truth, that "putting someone/thing down to sleep" is simply killing.
"Put down to sleep" is almost always used in the meaning of giving a pet animal a shot which will kill them, in order to put it out of its misery of a fatal sickness.
See also: abortion, silence
"Put down to sleep" is almost always used in the meaning of giving a pet animal a shot which will kill them, in order to put it out of its misery of a fatal sickness.
See also: abortion, silence
by Matt May 9, 2003

by I-Own-Turners March 10, 2009

1) The mob put out a contract on the police informer.
2) Barf shows his muscle by putting out contracts on relatives he hates to kiss. (From "The Simpseones", a parody of "The Simpsons" in Mad Classics magazine).
2) Barf shows his muscle by putting out contracts on relatives he hates to kiss. (From "The Simpseones", a parody of "The Simpsons" in Mad Classics magazine).
by Charlize October 6, 2007

by Carnophage December 15, 2004

by Jessi82 May 27, 2007

A very common figurative way of suggesting or actually solving a series of crises in some context or other.
Jane as mother had a day of "putting out fires", as she resolved minor crisis' for different members of her family. Finding her son Tommy's lost pet bunny, salvaging daughter Katie's science project after it fell off the table and broke, picking-up hubby's dry cleaning and various other little dramas strewn in her path.
by Zeddie April 6, 2010
