clap (something) on(to) (something)

To attach something to another object or a surface. You can't just clap fliers onto the wall outside my classroom—that's what the bulletin boards are for! All right, now clap the jumper cables onto the car battery. First, you need to clap that tool onto the table.

clap on

1. To put something, such as an article of clothing, on very quickly and forcefully. A noun or pronoun can be used between "clap" and "on." The man clapped on his hat and hurried out the door. The knight clapped on his armor and mounted his horse in preparation for battle. After his rousing speech, the captain clapped on his helmet and led the team out of the locker room.

2. To attach something to something else very quickly and forcefully. A noun or pronoun can be used between "clap" and "on." I clapped the lid back on the pot after the chef yelled at me for removing it. Luckily, I was able to catch the dog and clap his leash on him before he got out of the yard. Hey, you can't just clap fliers onto the wall outside my classroom—this tape is gonna pull the paint off the wall!

3. To strike someone lightly but firmly with an open hand on a particular part of their body. A noun or pronoun is used between "clap" and "on." Everyone clapped me on the back to congratulate me for the victory. I nearly jumped out of my skin when someone came up from behind and clapped me on the shoulder. Grandpa clapped me on the head and told me he was proud of me.

clap something on(to) something

to slap or attack something onto something else. The police came and clapped a sign onto the car saying it was abandoned. Do not clap any signs on my fence.