used to put, was putting, put, was making (someone feel)
L'équipage y mettait un zèle incroyable.
The crew put an incredible amount of effort into it.
Il mettait à profit chaque occasion d'exercer l'anglais.
He took advantage of every opportunity to practice his English.
D'ailleurs, tout l'équipage de la petite goélette y mettait du zèle.
Besides, the entire crew of the little schooner was throwing themselves into it with gusto.
Et si on le mettait à l'école militaire ?
What if we sent him to military school?
— Le Miroir (1975)
Et si on mettait un peu plus de lumière ?
What if we added a bit more light?
— Le Chant de la mer (2014)
Il mettait son doigt dans sa bouche.
He was putting his finger in his mouth.
— The Salt of the Earth (2014)
Elle avait un air sans prétention qui mettait chacun à son aise.
She had an unpretentious air that put everyone at ease.
On mettait le drapeau britannique, et elle a explosé.
We were putting up the British flag, and it exploded.
— Le Patient anglais (1996)