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

tight end

tighten/put the thumbscrews on

tighten the noose

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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