English / idiom
Screws on Someone
MEANING IN ENGLISH
Harsh coercion, intimidation, or intense pressure applied to make someone obey or yield.
In context
01
The money lenders kept screws on someone who had inherited unpaid obligations from an earlier generation.
02
The community leadership placed screws on someone who attempted to commercialize sacred cultural ground.
Synonyms
harsh intimidation,coercion,intense duress
Antonyms
leniency,gentle persuasion,concession
Collocations
keep screws on someone,tighten screws on someone,turn screws on someone