hammer · slam · harsh · strict · discipline · reprimand · berate · chastise · judgment · wrath · heavy-handed · descend · landing · plummet · crash · authority · enforce · consequences
come down hardlet off the hook
cut some slack · look the other way · turn a blind eye · let slide · show mercy
IDEA.org / Words / come down hard
Related — punish (Penalize for wrongdoing); crack down (Enforce rules more strictly); criticize (Judge unfavorably, vocally); scold · rebuke · hammer · slam · harsh · strict · discipline · reprimand · berate · chastise
severity of responsecome down hard ≠ let off the hook; cut some slack · look the other way · turn a blind eye · let slide · show mercy
emotional tone of criticismcome down hard ≠ handle with kid gloves Treat very carefully; tread lightly · sugarcoat · soften the blow
emotional tone of treatmentcome down hard ≠ encourage Urge forward with support; praise · commend · nurture · comfort · reassure
Word data: Linguabase (CC0) · www.idea.org/words/come_down_hard