thumb screws
Digit-crushing torture devices
Thumb screws are screws with a flat-sided or ridged head designed to be turned by hand without tools.
The term also refers to an old torture device that crushed the thumbs between two bars tightened by screws.
Figuratively, to put the thumbscrews on someone is to pressure or coerce them into compliance.
- tortureDeliberate infliction of suffering
- torture deviceObject causing deliberate pain
- iron maidenSpike-lined torture cabinet
- rackFrame for holding items
- Spanish InquisitionChurch court hunting heretics
inquisition · confession · medieval · tightening · crushing · fingers · pain · vice · clamp · interrogation · enhanced interrogation · dungeon · prisoner of war · agony · fastener · bolt · hardware · metal
thumb screwscarrots
Edible orange taproots
diplomacy · sweet talk · flattery · kid gloves · bribes
thumb screwsmercy
Compassion toward offenders
compassion · kindness · clemency · humane treatment · benevolence
thumb, screw, thumbs, screws, thumbed, thumbing, screwed, screwing, screwdriver