put (one) up to (something)
To cause, persuade, or pressure one to do or engage in something considered mischievous, ill considered, or malicious. He was always putting his younger brother up to playing pranks on other people. No one put me up to it—I just really wanted to get a tattoo.
put someone up to
Incite someone to do something, especially a mischievous or malicious act. For example, My brother put me up to making those prank telephone calls, or They didn't think of it on their own; someone put them up to it. [Early 1800s]