clamp down
Suppress with force
To clamp down is to impose strict controls or restrictions, usually by an authority: The government clamped down on protests, Schools are clamping down on phone use.
The image is of a clamp tightening—pressure applied to stop movement or activity.
As a noun, a crackdown: a clampdown on illegal immigration.
- crackdownSudden strict enforcement
- crack the whipAssert stern authority
- suppressForcibly put an end to
- enforceCompel obedience to
- restrictTo impose limits upon
get tough · tighten · rein in · control · tight grip · raid · police · show of force · seize · grip · vise · squeeze · pressure · heavy hand · authority · strict · harsh · punish
clamp downlet go
Cease holding something
ease up · loosen up · deregulate · liberalize · let slide
clamp downloosen up
Become less tense
ease up · tolerate · permit · allow · turn a blind eye
clamp downliberate
Set free from captivity
free up · deregulate · emancipate · unleash · unshackle
clamp, clamps, clamped, clamping, down, downs, downed, downing, downer