put batteries in someone's back en · VERB
Etymology
From the analogy of placing batteries in a toy in order to get it to operate.
Meanings
- (idiomatic) To enable, encourage, or incite, especially in order to do one's bidding; to fuel or spur.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| put batteries in someone's back | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| put batteries in someone's back | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| putting batteries in someone's back | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| puts batteries in someone's back | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |