put the screws on/to (someone or something)
phrase
informal
: to use force or the threat of force to make (someone or something) do what one wants
The government is finally putting the screws to an industry that's been evading environmental laws for years.
Cite this Entry
“Put the screws on/to (someone or something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20the%20screws%20on%2Fto%20%28someone%20or%20something%29. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
