Phrase guide

put someone through their paces

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To direct a horse to walk, canter, trot, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally

Topics: equestrianism, hobbies, horses, lifestyle, pets, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To test several or all functions or training of a person, animal, machine, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • The new fire chief really put us through our paces: we had to wash all the fire trucks and then had two different fire drills.
  • When I test-drove the new car, the salesman let me take it out to the freeway to put it through its paces.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: poddawać próbie — Translations
  • Polish: poddać próbie — Translations
  • Spanish: poner a relucir su capacidad — Translations
  • Spanish: dejar a relucir su habilidad — Translations
  • Spanish: someter a una prueba — Translations