punch a hole in (something)
To bore a hole into or through something. We'll need to use a high-powered drill to punch a hole through the layer of rock beneath the surface. Please punch holes through these papers so we can put them in the three-ring binder.
punch a hole in something
to make a hole in something with something. John punched a hole in the wall with his fist. Mary punched a hole in the paper with her pencil.