put past

put (something) past (someone)

To believe that someone is incapable or unwilling to engage in some sort of extreme behavior or action. Usually used in negative constructions. A: "Do you think Joe stole the money?" B: "Honestly, I wouldn't put it past him. He has no conscience." You're more naïve than I thought if you would put unauthorized spying on private citizens past the government.
See also: past, put

put past

v.
To believe some action, especially an extreme action, to be of a kind that someone would not do. Often used negatively: I wouldn't put it past those kids to try to climb to the top of the flagpole. Would you put murder past these thugs?
See also: past, put
References in periodicals archive ?
JACK BUTLAND says he ENJOYS facing the Premier League's deadliest strikeforce - despite having seven put past him last time.
'IT'S A CHALLENGE'
Bolton were the latest side to be outclassed at the weekend as Wolves added another five goals to the four they put past Leeds.
We're making teams look average - Ruddy; football
WE SAY: It wasn't just the four goals that United put past WestHam last week but it was the swagger and style they showed throughout the match.
SWANSEA v MAN UNITED; BOOKIES v BETTING BOYS; William Hill's Joe Crilly gives his verdict on the weekend's big games, but those fabulous Betting Boys are looking to take him on..and take his money.
It would be good if you could agree to put past issues behind you and focus on your daughter and her happiness.
ROW OVER DAUGHTER'S WEDDING DAY; Dear Coleen@dailyrecord.co.uk. MONDAY
Mark Foster ENTERTAINMENT: Cheryl has seemingly put past behind her after Liam Payne revealed she'd reverted to her maiden name.
TOON TRENDS
If we can put past divisions behind us, and embrace anew what joins us together as citizens of the country we are so proud of, I am sure that 2016 can be a year in which we move confidently together, as one, towards that future," he said.
Malaysian PM calls for unity in new year message
By this point it was a case of how many goals Bosnia would put past their opponents, and just after the hour Dzeko sealed his hat-trick, effectively a carbon copy of the first two, after another Lulic setup.
Dzeko bags a hat-trick; BOSNIA............................3 ANDORRA........................0
BRAVO) The saucy Aussie ladies try to put past dramas behind them in the Season 2 premiere.
TV Top 5
This possibility should not be put past lawmakers who have awarded themselves a full second term in office with very little to show for their five years in power thus far.
Into the void
10pm Kate and John Coleman, a couple who have seemingly put past troubles in their marriage behind them, decide to adopt a nine-year-old Russian girl from an orphanage.
TV CHOICE
But Suarez has put past controversies firmly behind him to light up English football and become only the second Liverpool player to be crowned Player of the Year in the Premier League era.
Luis Suarez Named PFA Player of Year
Mark Masters, CEO of TRN Companies, said: "We are pleased to 'turn the page' with the new owners of Westwood One and have put past issues behind us.
TRN, Cumulus announce Westwood One settlement
With some total hockey keeping the majority of the pressure in the Neath half, Kidby and Watkins both picked up another goal apiece to complete their respective hat-tricks and give Penarth their highest tally of the season, beating the five they put past Swansea.
Kidby and Watkins are the hat-trick heroes for A team; PENARTH HOCKEY
Paul Konchesky put past his own keeper to give Huddersfield hope but they could not find an equaliser and had top scorer James Vaughan sent off late on.
Burnley's Arfield of dreams; CHAMPIONSHIP
ACL indicated that they wished to put past disagreements behind them, draw a line in the sand and enter any discussions without prejudice or preconceptions.
SKY BLUE TRUST IN PEACE TALKS WITH WARRING PARTIES
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