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Glite Dictionary
to put a quarter in

to put a quarter in

9.9
To become suddenly full of energy and talk a lot
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
translation icon : animarse
  • Wow, who put a quarter in Sarah? She’s been giving ideas non-stop all morning.

Examples

  • Ever since you got that promotion, it's like someone put a quarter in you at work.

  • As soon as the music started, he acted like someone had put a quarter in him.

  • She really put a quarter in after the break!

  • Why don't you put a quarter in and join the conversation?

  • As soon as the music started, he acted like someone had put a quarter in him.

  • Wow, who put a quarter in Sarah? She’s been giving ideas non-stop all morning.

  • Ever since you got that promotion, it's like someone put a quarter in you at work.

Synonyms

to perk up
vsto put a quarter in
  • Informal
16 3.1

Become more lively and cheerful after feeling tired or sad

is an internal sudden change to energy rather than a slower recovery
to flip the switch
vsto put a quarter in
11 3.5

Cause a sudden change, for example by moving a small control to turn something on

is an internal sudden change to energy or talkativeness rather than an external action

Antonyms

to slow down
687 1.4

To move or act more slowly

to calm down
  • Informal
594 1.4

To become less angry, excited, or upset

How Energetic

to burst
81 3.9
to pump up
  • Informal
28 4.1
to come alive
56 3.7
to put a quarter in
  • Informal
9.9
to liven up
  • Informal
66 3.9
to perk up
  • Informal
16 3.1

Surface Forms

put a quarter in infinitive

Morphology

put + a + quarter + in

The literal parts ('put' + 'quarter' + 'in') clearly describe inserting a coin, so there is a visible metaphorical link to being 'switched on' or activated. However, the idiomatic sense (becoming suddenly energetic/talkative) depends on cultural/pragmatic knowledge of coin-operated devices (e.g., jukeboxes) and is not directly predictable from the words alone, so a B1 learner would likely need prior exposure.

Etymology

Put a quarter in comes from machines like jukeboxes or vending machines. When you put a quarter in a machine, the quarter makes it start working or play music. So saying someone has been put a quarter in means they suddenly feel 'switched on' and act lively or talkative.