Put years on somebody

usgb
phrase

To make someone look or feel significantly older, often due to stress or hardship.

The constant worrying and stress had put years on Paul.
Visual representation of "put years on somebody" - To make someone look or feel significantly older, often due to stress or hardship

Often appears as...

  • put ten years on somebody
  • put five years on somebody

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "put years on somebody"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

The phrase suggests a negative change due to stress or trouble, affecting someone's appearance or mental state.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
After the trial, the defendant looked as if the experience had put years on him.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It doesn't mean actual aging but a perceived increase in age because of life events.

Illustration for Not Literal
Seeing her son ill, she felt it put years on her overnight.
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Hyperbole

Often an exaggeration, not to be taken as a precise measurement of age.

Illustration for Hyperbole
Running my own business has put years on me, I swear I look older!
Visual representation of the word "Put years on somebody"

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