come down on
phrasal verb
came down on; come down on; coming down on; comes down on
1
: to criticize or punish (someone)
The governor has promised to come down hard on corrupt officials.
Her boss came down on her pretty hard when she didn't finish the report on time.
2
: to make a strong effort to stop or oppose (something)
The governor has promised to come down hard on corruption.
Cite this Entry
“Come down on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/come%20down%20on. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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