The phrase "put on the cuff" is a common expression meaning to purchase something on credit or to borrow money informally. The spelling of "cuff" is derived from the Old French word "coffin" meaning a container, and is pronounced /kʌf/. The "u" in "put" is short and pronounced /ʌ/, while the "o" in "on" is a schwa sound, pronounced /ə/. The phrase has been in use since the late 19th century and is still used today in colloquial conversations.
"Put on the cuff" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the early 20th century. It is derived from the practice of wearing shirts with removable cuffs, which were typically attached to the shirt with buttons. This term has since evolved to encompass a figurative meaning.
Literally, "put on the cuff" refers to the action of attaching a detachable cuff to the shirt. However, in a figurative sense, it refers to the act of buying something on credit or relying on borrowed money to make a purchase. It implies making a purchase without immediate payment and instead promising to pay at a later date.
This phrase is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone is making a purchase without having the necessary funds readily available. It can often be associated with informal financial transactions or deals made between individuals without the involvement of formal banking institutions. The concept of "putting something on the cuff" is also often used to depict a temporary solution to a financial problem, where the person anticipates paying off the debt in the future.
In summary, "putting on the cuff" refers to the act of obtaining goods or services with the understanding that payment will be made at a later date, often without any formal documentation. It is a phrase that signifies relying on credit or borrowing money to acquire something in the short term, with the intention of settling the debt in the future.