put the screws
Force someone's hand
Put the screws to someone is to apply intense pressure or coercion, typically to extract information, compliance, or money.
The image is of a torture device—thumbscrews—tightened gradually: The investigators really put the screws to him until he confessed.
The phrase often implies ruthless or relentless pressure rather than physical force.
- tightenMake more secure
- turn up the heatIntensify effort or coercion
- put the squeeze onCoerce through pressure
- twistRotating motion or surprise
- fastenFix securely in position
apply pressure · secure · pressurize · extort · manipulate · blackmail · dominate · oppress · force · guilt-trip · lean on · constrain · strong-arm · crack the whip · compel · play hardball · squeeze · overpower
put the screwscoax
Persuade by gentle urging
sweet-talk · cajole · handle with kid gloves · entreat · woo
put the screwslet off the hook
back off · lay off · cut some slack · release · relent
puts, putting, screw, screws, screwed, screwing, screwdriver