put the screws on (someone)
idiomPart ofscrew
put the screws on (someone) — idiom
1. to apply pressure or use threats to force someone to do what you want.
1.idiom
Definition
to apply pressure or use threats to force someone to do what you want.
Example
The bank put the screws on the family by demanding full payment at once.
The manager put the screws on the team to finish the project by Friday.
2. To use pressure, threats, or force to make someone do what you want them to do.
2.idiom
Definition
To use pressure, threats, or force to make someone do what you want them to do.
Example
The landlord put the screws on the tenants by threatening to raise the rent if they complained.
Management really put the screws on the staff to finish the project before the holiday break.