put the screws on
- pressureForce upon contact
- squeezeFirm bilateral compression
- coerceObtain by intimidation
- threatenPromise harm or punishment
- intimidateInstill fear to control
arm-twist · leverage · force · compel · extort · blackmail · bully · strongarm · lean on · twist arm · torment · interrogate · grill · sweat · rack · vice · clamp · tighten
pressure/coercion
put the screws onlet off the hook
back off · lay off · cut some slack · give someone a break · let up