crack the whip

Enforce strict discipline

To crack the whip is to assert authority forcefully, demanding harder work or stricter discipline.

The image comes from drivers using whips to control horses or livestock.

A manager might crack the whip when deadlines loom.

The phrase often implies pushing people who've been slacking: Someone needs to crack the whip around here.

authority

discipline

Trained self-control or specialty

enforceCompel obedience to
commandAuthoritative instruction given
controlAuthority to direct

boss · supervise · oversee · manage · direct · dictate · dominate · rule · govern · micromanage

motivate

push

Force something away

driveOperate a vehicle
urgeStrong inner drive
prodJab to spur action

spur · pressure · demand · hustle · hasten · expedite · accelerate · rush · deadline · urgency

workplace

manager

One who directs others

supervisorOne who directs workers
foremanWorker who directs others
overseerOne who monitors work

boss · executive · team leader · drill sergeant · coach · slave driver · sweatshop · exploitation · labor · workers

Categories

recess gamestag, hopscotch, jump rope, hide and seek, duck duck goose
powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
Leadership idiomslead by example, take the reins, at the helm, call the shots, take charge
risky activitiesRussian roulette, chicken, cliff diving, bull riding, bungee jumping

Opposites

leadership style

crack the whipcoddle

Overindulge or poach gently

pamper · mollycoddle · laissez-faire · baby · soft-pedal

pressure and demand

crack the whipease up

Become less intense

let up · back off · cut some slack · lighten up · slack off

Family

crack, cracked, cracking, cracks, cracker, whip, whips, whipped, whipping

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G