tighten/put the thumbscrews on
idiom
: to use harsh measures to force (a person or group) to do something or stop doing something
The government is tightening/putting the thumbscrews on dissenters.
Dictionary Entries Near tighten/put the thumbscrews on
Cite this Entry
“Tighten/put the thumbscrews on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tighten%2Fput%20the%20thumbscrews%20on. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share